The Yinhawangka and the Jurruru Native Title holders have been formally recognised as Traditional Owners after the Federal Court endorsed a determination of Native Title for about 3,423 square kilometres of land in the Pilbara.
The outcome follows litigation and extensive negotiations between the groups with the assistance of the Federal Court. The determination was made with the consent of all parties, including the Western Australian Government.
This determination marks the 134th Native Title determination in WA, with over 85 per cent of the State now covered by Native Title determinations equating to a total of 2,157,903 square kilometres.
The determination also marks the 70th Native Title determination since 2017, highlighting the strong commitment by the WA Government towards resolving Native Title matters by agreement or consent.
Native Title is one way of supporting self-determination and empowerment of Aboriginal people, and deliver economic, social and cultural benefits to Aboriginal communities.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:
"This determination adds to the WA Government's record of actively resolving Native Title by agreement or consent, with the total number of determinations having more than doubled in WA since 2017.
"More than 85 per cent of the State is now covered by Native Title determinations, which represents more than 50 per cent of all Native Title determinations in Australia.
"The WA Government looks forward to continuing to build an enduring relationship with the Traditional Owners in the determination area, the Yinhawangka People and the Jurruru People."
