After 25-year campaign Nauo people granted native title over Coffin Bay and surrounds  

Giovanni Torre
Giovanni Torre Published May 15, 2023 at 8.30am (AWST)

After a 25-year long wait, the Nauo people have received native title over almost eight thousand square kilometres of land on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.

On Monday the Federal Court of Australia presented the Aboriginal nation with their native title determination at a special hearing on Country, following their first determination in February.

The determination area of 7,951 square kilometres includes towns and parks such as Palkagee, Mount Joy, Coolillie, Polda, Sheringa, Kiana, Mitchell, Kapinnie, Coulta, Wangary, Coffin Bay, Coffin Bay National Park, and Lincoln National Park.

Nauo Elder and native title applicant Jody Miller said the lower Eyre Peninsula is "a very significant and cultural place for Nauo people".

"We are the caretakers of this land where we camp, fish, hunt, gather and share our stories that extend across Australia," she said.

"This determination is the effort of over 30 years hard work, and we now invite pastoralists and businesses to negotiate with us regarding matters on our Country."

SA Native Title Services chief executive Keith Thomas said the determination was "a fantastic outcome for the Nauo people who have waited over 25 years to achieve their native title".

"We wish them all the best as they move forward as the officially recognised Traditional Owners."

South Australia's Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher said he was pleased that the State and the Nauo People have been able to resolve the native title claims by consent.

"The consent determination recognises the enduring connection that the Nauo people have to this Country. This significant step for the Nauo people, and for reconciliation in this State, is the result of many years of hard work and perseverance, and I commend the efforts of everyone involved," he said.

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