Monthly native title updates
Wirangu & Nauo Consent Determination
After agreeing to resolve their overlapping claims in July 2021, the Wirangu and Nauo peoples will be handed a consent determination in their overlapping Wirangu Parts B and Nauo No.3 claims, on 10 February 2023 at Elliston.
Wirangu and Nauo peoples had native title claims over the western Eyre Peninsula region including Venus Bay and Elliston listed for trial in August of 2021. The Federal Court adjourned the trial to allow the groups to finalise the claims with the state and federal governments – a successful mediation with assistance from the Federal Court of Australia.
The Wirangu No.2 claim was first submitted in the late 1990s and both groups are relieved to reach a resolution.
Wirangu and Kokatha Elder, Jack Johncock, said it’s an opportunity for both groups to look after Country together.
“[The mediation] was a very special day for both Nauo and Wirangu, we’ve been working towards a joint claim, and we came to a mutual agreement that we both had interest in that particular part of our lands.”
In the media: ‘SA native title bodies raise Voice concerns’
We support the proposal for a state-based First Nations Voice to Parliament. However, we are concerned the draft Bill will create new institutions, rather than investing in and strengthening the existing First Nations who have been recognised under the Native Title Act for over 30 years.
SA Native Title Services CEO, Keith Thomas, spoke to InDaily about our open letter sent to Commissioner for First Nations Voice, Dale Agius, and Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, which raises concerns about the proposed structure of the Voice. The letter has signatures and support of 28 chairs and vice chairs from native title bodies – a majority in South Australia.
Present your research paper at the AIATSIS Summit
AIATSIS is calling for papers for the 2023 AIATSIS Summit, to be held in Noongar Boodja Perth, 5-9 June 2023. The abstract submission portal will close on 14, February 2023.
This year’s theme, Navigating the Spaces In-Between, continues the conversation from the 2022 summit and expands on the brilliance and value of Indigenous ways of knowing, seeing and being in the world.
The AIATSIS Summit is being co-convened with South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council on Noongar boodja (Country) at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The annual event provides a unique forum for academics, native title stakeholders, legal experts, community and cultural sectors and government to collaborate in addressing challenges for native title and research.
National PBC Steering Group
The Australian government has funded the National Native Title Council (NNTC) to develop an advisory group of Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) to advise on matters of national and regional significance relevant to PBCs.
The PBC Steering Group’s role is to ensure Traditional Owners have greater decision-making influence over their own lands and that native title policy, legislative reform and advocacy are achieving the needs and objectives of native title holders. One of the first matters to be addressed is the review, development, and implementation of a new funding model for the PBC sector.
The PBC Steering Group is made up of 24 NNTC PBC members (gender inclusive) from across most states and territories with a representative mix of PBC jurisdiction, size, experience, and activities. PBC Steering Group members will serve three-year terms and will be paid a daily remuneration rate.
The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is the peak body for the native title sector. Through the native title system, the council advocates for the rights and interests of all First Nations people. SANTS encourages PBCs to become a member, as an opportunity to add their voices to the national dialogue on issues impacting native title rights and interests.
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