Pilbara, Gascoyne native title rights recognised

The native title rights and interests held by combined language groups in the Pilbara and Gascoyne were recognised by the Federal Court last month.

On April 16, the Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli people were formally recognised as native title holders, having lodged their claim in October, 2016.

The determination area covers about 6804sqkm of land lying within the Shires of Ashburton, Carnarvon and Upper Gascoyne.

It is home to places of special spiritual significance, in particular living waters inhabited by the mythical water serpent, meeting and ritual places, and the burial places of the old people.

Traditional owner Herbert Eagles said he knew their ancestors would be proud their connection to country had been honoured by the Federal Court.

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

The judgment was made by Justice Bernard Murphy, who congratulated the applicants on their native title determination.

“It’s a privilege to be invited to be part of such a wonderful occasion for the Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharkarri Jiwarli people,” he said.

“It has been a long journey and through their own effort they have achieved recognition of native title.”