Yamatji Region News

Thudgari People celebrate recognition of country

Posted: November 19th, 2009

Filed under: determination, native title, Thudgari

Ronnie Dodd, Charlie Lapthorne, Stewart Peck, Bella Randall and Peter Salmon at the Thudgari native title determination.

 Exactly 12 years to the day their native title claim was first lodged, the Thudgari People celebrated the legal recognition of their culture and country.

Thudgari country lies between the Ashburton and Gascoyne rivers and is mainly covered by pastoral leases and the Barlee Range nature reserve. Settlement in the area occurred in the late 19th century by pastoralists. Aboriginal people working on stations such as Glen Florrie, Maroonah, Mangaroon, Willambury and Ullawarra were a vital part of the survival of these remote outstations.

The on-country Federal Court hearing, at Ullawarra Station, recognised the Thudgari People’s native title rights to their country, which stem from their traditional laws and customs. The determination formalises these rights and interests, including the right to access the land, and to hunt, gather, camp and protect significant sites.

Traditional Owner Doris Parker said, “I was born on Thudgari country at an outstation on Maroonah Station, my father was born on Ullawarra. As a child I was sent to Carnarvon mission and only had contact with my parents once a year. It was very hard for us Aboriginal children who weren’t allowed to speak our traditional language or be on country to learn from our elders. Today means that I can go out on my country and camp and hunt with my family. I can show our future generations this land and how it connects to who they are.”

YMAC has been proud to represent the Thudgari People and we extend our sinceret congratulations to the community.

Agreement over Wirruwana (Dirk Hartog Island)

Posted: October 27th, 2009

Filed under: Dirk Hartog, Malgana

The Malgana people, YMAC, state government and pastoralists have announced a native title agreement over Dirk Hartog Island giving Traditional Owners greater involvement in the management of the world heritage area.

In exchange for consenting to a national park project, the Malgana native title claim group have negotiated co-operative management of the terrestrial reserves in the Shark Bay World Heritage area. The group will receive a 5 hectare reserve on the island to teach Malgana culture.

The Malgana group have also reached an agreement with the former pastoral lease holders, the Wardle family. This agreement provides for employment opportunities and the recognition of traditional ownership in relation to the expansion of tourism operations on the island.

The island, known as Wirruwana in Malgana language, is of high conservation value and is also the site of the first European landing in Australia. Malgana Traditional Owner, Kelly Oakley, believes preserving the islands high conservation and heritage values are important to all West Australians.

“Wirruwana has always been a place of special significance to our people. By conserving the island’s Aboriginal heritage, biodiversity and historical values we ensure all West Australians can enjoy it’s extraordinary beauty,” she said.

Uranium workshops inform Traditional Owners

Posted: August 7th, 2009

Filed under: uranium

Last week, YMAC held workshops in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Karratha for Traditional Owners to learn about uranium mining and radiation.

They featured presentations by Dr Stephen Long, from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. Dr Long talked about on uranium and radiation, types of mining, environmental and health risks, and rehabilitation of old mine sites.

Questions from Traditional Owners included concerns over water use in uranium mining, transporting uranium from mine sites, impact on cultural practices and the long-term effects on flora and fauna.

For those who couldn’t make it to the workshops, YMAC is producing a DVD and information pack for all our members in 2010.