Country, Culture, People, Future

Who We Are

Who We Are

As the Native Title Representative Body for the Yamatji and Pilbara regions of WA, YMAC is a not-for-profit Aboriginal corporation. We are run by an Aboriginal Board of DirectorsYamatji and Pilbara Regional Committees, who are chosen by our members. Membership is open to all adult Yamatji and Marlpa people.

To read the YMAC’s Objects of the Organisation click here.

As a Native Title Representative Body, YMAC has specific functions under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (per section 203B). These include our ‘general’ functions:

(a)         the facilitation and assistance functions referred to in section 203BB;

(b)         the certification functions referred to in section 203BE;

(c)         the dispute resolution functions referred to in section 203BF;

(d)         the notification functions referred to in section 203BG;

(e)         the agreement making function referred to in section 203BH;

(f)          the internal review functions referred to in section 203BI;

(g)         the functions referred to in section 203BJ and such other functions as are conferred on representative bodies by this Act.

In addition, we must also perform the following ‘other’ functions (per section 203BJ of the Native Title Act):

(a)         as far as is reasonably practicable, enter into written arrangements with other representative bodies so that the representative body can exercise its facilitation and assistance functions in relation to a matter of a kind referred to in paragraph 203BD(a) or (b); and

(b)         as far as is reasonably practicable, identify persons who may hold native title in the area for which the body is the representative body; and

(c)          as far as is reasonably practicable, take such action as the body considers appropriate to promote understanding, among Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders living in the area, about matters relevant to the operation of this Act; and

(d)         as far as is reasonably practicable, inform such of the following as the representative body knows are, in relation to the area:

(i)  registered native title bodies corporate;

(ii)  native title holders;

(iii)  persons who may hold native title;

of any matter that the representative body considers may relate to, or may have an impact upon, native title in the area; and

(e)         whenever the body considers it necessary in the performance of its functions—consult with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities that might be affected by the matters with which the body is dealing; and

(f)          as far as is reasonably practicable, co‑operate with other representative bodies for the purpose of promoting the effective and efficient exercise of the functions and powers of representative bodies.

 

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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