After a decade-long wait, South Australia's Narungga people have been recognised as Native Title holders of the Yorke Peninsula.
The Federal Court of Australia determination formally acknowledges Narungga peoples Native Title rights and interests in land and waters from Mundoora in the north to Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park in the south of the York Peninsula.
The ruling also saw Narunnga people compensated with a settlement for the unlawful loss of their connection to Country in areas where native title was extinguished.
Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation chair Anne Newchurch said although the compensation will "never be enough", the decision creates an opportunity for Narungga people to invest in future generations.
"This is a historical and emotional day for the Narungga people and community who have continued the journey of our Elders started over 20 years ago," Ms Newchurch said.
"The compensation will never be enough for the loss of our cultural heritage and our people's connection to Country, but it does provide our people with an opportunity to invest in our future and to provide opportunities for our children, and our children's children."
Narungga people met at Point Pierce Aboriginal School to see their Native Title rights recognised.
Native Title applicant and proud Narungga man John Buckskin said the determination recognised the fight fought by many previous Narungga generations, whilst providing a pathway for future economic prosperity.
"Today represents a time for reflection on the sadness and sorrow of so many of our First Nations and Narungga people who fought for their land and cultural survival and for those families who were massacred," Mr Buckskin said.
"The Consent Determination gives Narungga people the opportunity to invest in partnerships with non-Aboriginal people towards developing economic opportunities with federal, state and local governments, and private enterprises."
The Consent Determination follows the historic signing of the Buthera Agreement in February 2018 by the South Australian Government and the Narungga Nation, providing Traditional Owners with capacity-building support to drive development, economic enterprise, and collaborative engagement with government agencies."
