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.