Nywaigi people win native title

NORTH Queensland’s Nywaigi people say a federalcourt decision to grant them Native Title rights is recognition of their “intimate connection” with the land.

The Federal Court is expected to formally recognise the Nywaigi people’s Native Title rights and interests over almost 40,000ha of land and waters between Rollingstone and Ingham at a hearing on Mungalla Station today.

Senior Nywaigi man and traditional owner Phil Rist said the land and waters had cultural and spiritual significance.

“Spiritually, this land knows who its people are through its intimate connection of harmony and balance over thousands of years,” he said.

“This is land on which we have told stories, we have fished, we have grown up on and it is land on which Nywaigi legends have been formed.”

Mr Rist said the determination would help “restore balance” to the land.

“Now, more than ever before our land needs its people.

“For me, not only do I have a relationship between me and my country, but there is a significant relationship between my country and me,” he said.

“In part, this reciprocal relationship will be assured through our native title consent determination.”

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the Nywaigi people would now be able to hunt, fish and gather, hold meetings, teach younger generations and maintain places of significance.

“Today’s hearing acknowledges that the Nywaigi People have been connected to these lands since before sovereignty and it means that their undeniable connection to their traditional homelands can continue,” he said.

Dr Lynham said the determination could only be achieved through the co- operation of traditional owners, other respondents and the Federal Court.

“I congratulate the Nywaigi people – their genuine commitment to this native title claim will help to further preserve our nation’s rich indigenous culture,” he said.

The determination recognises exclusive native title rights and interests over about 8600ha and non- exclusive native title rights and interests over 30,000ha between Rollingstone, along the coast up to Taylors Beach, and inland.