Native Title Today

In South Australia, native title has been determined over large parts of the State and native title corporations or Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) now hold and manage the native title rights and interests.

For many Aboriginal Nations, the native title journey has shifted from the struggle to get native title to building on native title. Obtaining recognition of native title presents new and exciting opportunities, including economic, cultural and community development. It can also present challenges for communities.

With around 60% of the state now subject to native title, we are in an era where the promise of native title can be realised.

Looking after country

Looking after country is at the heart of many Aboriginal Nations’ concerns as well as the native title system. Aboriginal Nations may be involved in looking after country in various ways.

The South Australian Government recognises that Aboriginal creation ancestor stories explain how ancestors shaped and shifted the landscape and then entrusted these places to specific groups of people. The stories inform cultural practices and hold strong significance for Aboriginal groups and Traditional Owners.

Sites of significance are protected in South Australia by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

The Heritage Act makes it an offence to excavate land to uncover any Aboriginal site, object or remains or to damage, disturb or interfere with Aboriginal heritage without authorisation. Before giving an authorisation under The Act, the Premier must consult with any Aboriginal organisation, Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people that have an interest in the matter as well as the State Aboriginal Heritage Committee.

The State Government provides information, training and guidance on working with Aboriginal Heritage.

More information here

Co-management in South Australia is a partnership between the state government and Aboriginal groups to help manage our national parks that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary park management.

A number of PBCs are involved in co-management boards or advisory committees of National Parks in SA, including Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association, Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation, Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation, Irrwanyere Aboriginal Corporation, Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation, Arabana Aboriginal Corporation, Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Traditional Land Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

More information here

Landscapes Management

South Australia’s natural resources are managed in line with a new Landscape South Australia 2019 Act. Eight regional landscape boards administer their region’s land, water, pest plants and animals, and biodiversity while a Green Adelaide board manages Adelaide’s Urban environment. Boards are open to nomination by community members and Aboriginal people are encouraged to participate.

The Alinytjara Wilurara (AW) region covers the north-west third of South Australia. More than half of AW is held as dedicated Aboriginal lands of Yalata. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands and Maralinga Tjarutja (MT) Lands. Parry Agius is Presiding Member of the AW Landscapes region.

More information here

Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) are areas of land and sea managed by Indigenous groups as protected areas for biodiversity conservation through voluntary agreements with the Australian Government.

There are 10 IPAS in South Australia – located at Nantawarrina, Yalata, Watarru, Walalkara, Kalka – Pipalytjara, Apara – Makiri – Punti, Antara – Sandy Bore, Mount Willoughby, Yappala and Wardang Island. There are 11 Commonwealth Funded Indigenous Ranger Groups associated with these IPAs

More information, including maps and listings of IPAs and Ranger Groups here

The Aboriginal Lands Trust was established by the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966, and provided for the transfer of land by the Crown to the Trust, to be held and managed for the ongoing benefit of Aboriginal South Australians.

The land holdings are mainly former missions and reserves that were vested in the Trust when it began. But the Trust also holds land that has been transferred to or purchased since that time.

The South Australian Aboriginal communities of Yalata, Koonibba, Nipapanha, Umoona, Davenport, Point Pearce, Gerard and Raukkan are all on Trust held land, as are a number of homelands. More information here

Development

Economic, community and cultural development are core challenges for Aboriginal Nations while pursuing and after gaining native title recognition. There are a number of resources and supports available to PBCs as they pursue development.

Economic Development

A key step to economic development is to grow the knowledge base and sources of ideas and support for your organisation and community as it considers and explores economic development opportunities.

Here’s some information that may assist on starting the journey.

The Commonwealth Government has a mandatory procurement policy, which means that departments must procure some of their goods and services from Indigenous owned business. The IPP designed to drive demand for Indigenous goods and services, and grow the Indigenous business sector. It provides opportunities for Aboriginal enterprises to promote any goods and services to the Government. More here

Supply Nation is a register of Indigenous businesses

The ILSC assists Indigenous people with the acquisition and management of land, salt water and fresh water so they can achieve economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits. The ILSC partners with Aboriginal Nations to develop ideas and opportunities. They can provide many examples of Indigenous econonic enterprises, including in the agribusiness and tourism sectors that can provide ideas and inspiration. More here