Kevin Smith has become the first Indigenous person in history to be appointed President of the National Native Title Tribunal.

Federal Attorney General Mark Dreyfus said on Thursday he was pleased to announce the appointments of Mr Smith as President and Katie Stride as Native Title Registrar to the Tribunal.

"Both appointments were made following a merit-based selection process," he said.

Mr Smith is a proud Torres Strait Islander man with ancestral ties to Ugar (Stephen Island) and Erub (Darnley Island).

With over 28 years of expertise in Native Title and First Nations Law, Mr Smith brings proven professional experience to the role, commencing on 10 July.

During his tenor as President, Mr Smith will be responsible for facilitating intricate arbitration and mediation services and overseeing the execution of the Tribunal's diverse and significant functions.

Mr Smith will replace the outgoing President, John Dowsett AM KC.

"I thank President Dowsett for his service, and wish him well in his future endeavours," Mr Dreyfus said.

With 25 years of experience in First Nations legal, government, court, and tribunal positions, Ms Stride has built a distinguished career.

Currently serving as the National Judicial Registrar – Native Title in the Federal Court, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new role as the Native Title Registrar and a vital member of the Tribunal's leadership team, commencing on 7 August.

In her role as Native Title Registrar, Ms Stride will draw on her extensive experience in handling native title claims to effectively manage the Tribunal's work in supporting the resolution of native title claims and disputes.

Working closely with the president, she will play a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation and success of the Tribunal's endeavors.

Ms Stride will replace the outgoing Native Title Registrar, Mrs Christine Fewings.

"I thank Mrs Fewings for her contribution as Native Title Registrar since her appointment in 2018, and wish her well in her future endeavours," Mr Dreyfus said.

"I also thank Mr Alex Ripper, who will continue acting as Native Title Registrar until Ms Stride's commencement."

Kado Muir, Chair of National Native Title Council, welcomed the new appointments.

"I warmly congratulate my colleague and former deputy chair of NNTC on his appointment as President of the National Native Title Tribunal," he said.

"This is a momentous occasion for Australia and for our native title community, as a highly regarded, well respected professional Indigenous mind takes over the reins of this significant national institution.

"A loss for 'our side' but a gain for the wider community, as we can look forward with confidence that the native title sector will be guided by very capable, diligent and safe hands."

NNTC chief executive Jamie Lowe said: "Kevin has worked through the ranks in the native title sector and knows the system fundamentally back to front."

"To have someone who is a lawyer, a highly experienced senior executive within the native title sector, highly respected by First Nations communities with an innate cultural understanding, heralds an exciting future for native title."