Country, Culture, People, Future

April 2019

YMAC celebrates 25 years

Posted: April 18th, 2019

 

 

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On 15 April 2019 Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) marked its 25th Anniversary since it was originally incorporated on 15 April 1994, under the name ‘Yamatji Barna Baba Maaja Aboriginal Corporation’. Full representative body status was achieved under the Native Title Act later that same year on 6 December.

Since it began operating, the Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) has seen thousands of Traditional Owners gain recognition of native title, and today, YMAC represents more than 20 Traditional Owner groups.

YMAC Co-Chairperson – Yamatji Region, Peter Windie said that native title determinations are a key focus for YMAC, and his big picture vision for all claim groups is to achieve determinations, reuniting every language group back with their Country.

“One thing Native Title has given us is the empowerment and ability to fight together for a common goal, and this has brought us closer together with other Traditional Owners,” Mr Windie said.

YMAC Co-Chairperson – Pilbara Region, Natalie Parker, said that having native title for all language groups recognised; helping people get back to Country; and passing knowledge onto younger generations was important.

“It means so much to me. Without our Country, our Mother, we wouldn’t be here. She is our provider and our keeper,” Ms Parker said.

A series of activities, and special publication to mark this quarter century of working alongside Traditional Owners to achieve recognition of Country are planned as part of YMAC’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

The Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli people celebrate native title

Posted: April 18th, 2019

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Photo: Justice Bernard Murphy with the Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli people at the native title determination

At a Federal Court hearing on 16 April 2019 – at Gascoyne Junction, on neighbouring Yingaarda Country, WA – the Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli (Thin-mar, Worry-anga, Thuc-ari, Ji-warli) people were formally recognised by the Federal Court as native title holders.

The judgement made by Justice Murphy recognised the native title rights and interests held by the Combined Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli peoples’ in relation to the land covered by the Determination Area.

The determination area covers approximately 6,804 square kilometres of land lying within the Shires of Ashburton, Carnarvon and Upper Gascoyne.

The Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli people have maintained a traditional connection to this area since time immemorial, with a vibrant living culture maintained through stories, spiritual connections to the ancestors and Country, caring for and managing Country and waters, and by passing on traditional knowledge through each generation. Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli people have a strong connection to their land and waters through their intrinsic local knowledge of its natural resources and the land.

Traditional Owner, Herbert Eagles, said, “We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, and I know that they would be proud that our connection to Country has been honoured today by the Federal Court.

“We can now look forward to the future and creating a legacy for our children and our children’s children,” Mr Eagles said.

Traditional Owner Ben Roberts added, “Today means everything – Ngurra – Country. It’s been a good journey with the people, we have walked together, and will continue to walk together every step of the way – to see a different world, to see a different future. This is for the past and the present, this is for the children,” said Ben Roberts.

To view the full media release click here

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

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