Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt today congratulated the Yindjibarndi people for their patience and determination in their 17-year struggle to have their native title rights conclusively recognised.
This morning, the High Court ruled to end a legal challenge against a decision by the Full Federal Court in November 2017 which recognised the Yindjibarndi people's native title rights including that of exclusive possession native title.
The Full Court, upholding the initial Federal Court decision, recognised that the Yindjibarndi people hold exclusive native title for an area of 2,700 square kilometres just north of the Karijini National Park.
This claim was first lodged by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation in 2003, making it one of the longest running native title claims in the country.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"Today's High Court decision marks the end of a successful 17-year struggle by the Yindjibarndi people in the Pilbara to have their native title rights conclusively recognised.
"I hope the divisions created through this process can now begin to heal, and all parties can embrace a new era of co-operation and consultation which respects the rights of the native title holders.
"Congratulations to the Yindjibarndi for the patience and determination they have demonstrated since first lodging this claim in 2003."
