SANTS NEWS

Monthly native title updates

Election day is this Saturday

A federal election gives voters the opportunity to choose members of parliament who will represent their views and interests in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The upcoming election is happening this Saturday, 3 May, with polling booths open from 8am to 6pm. Polling booths are usually located at schools, churches and community centres – click the link below to find out where to vote in your area.

Please remember, voting is compulsory for all Australian citizens aged 18 and over.

Where to vote on polling day
Who are my candidates

Far West Coast Sea claim judgment

The Federal Court has granted native title to Wirangu and Mirning people who were part of the Far West Coast Sea Claim group.

The native title holders now have rights and interests in parts of the sea extending from the Western Australian border to Streaky Bay.

These rights include being able to speak for Country, access the area, take resources for non-commercial purposes, and to care for sites and places of significance.

Have your say about water

SANTS is hosting a two-day forum for Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) to discuss First Nations water rights and interests.

On May 8 and 9, PBC members from across the state are invited to the Adelaide Royal Coach, Kent Town, to share their views, concerns, and aspirations about water management and planning.

The forum outcomes will be shared with the Department for Environment and Water and will help inform SANTS’ advocacy for the rights and interests of Traditional Owners.

If you’re a PBC member and would like to attend, please email FaithM@nativetitlesa.org or call 1800 010 360. Please note, SANTS will support travel costs and accomodation for two members from each PBC.

Where: Adelaide Royal Coach – 24 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town SA 5067
When: May 8 and 9 from 9am to 4pm

Share your native title story

SANTS is embarking on an exciting project about the history of native title in South Australia. The project will include a publication, exhibition, virtual reality experience, and gala dinner to celebrate and reflect on the last 30 years of native title.

We’re compiling photographs and stories from the archives, and interviewing PBCs and influential native title figures, who’ll feature in a special edition of Aboriginal Way. Not only that, we’re also creating virtual reality videos that will allow everyday Australians to learn more about native title rights and interests directly from Elders on their Country.

If you’ve been involved in native title and want to share you story, please reach out to calebs@nativetitlesa.org.

Oodnadatta native title decision

The High Court has overturned a previous Federal Court decision regarding native title claims over land near Oodnadatta. Both the Arabana and Walka Wani peoples had claimed native title under the Native Title Act 1993.

On 21 December 2021, the Federal Court had rejected the Arabana claim, stating they hadn’t maintained a connection to the land, and had accepted the Walka Wani claim (though that was later overturned).

The High Court found the judge had incorrectly focused too much on physical acts to prove connection to the land, rather than considering whether the Arabana people’s traditional laws and customs themselves established a connection. The case has been sent back to the Federal Court to reconsider whether the Arabana people hold native title in the area.