Traditional Owners in the central Torres Strait have officially been handed back two of their Islands.
The Queensland Government last week confirmed Iama and Tudu peoples' ownership of Zagai and Mukar (Jeaka Island and Cap Isle), two small uninhabited islands south of Sabai Island and north-east of Thursday Island.
Their Native Title rights to the Islands were recognised by the state in 2004.
Deeds were received at a ceremony in Cairns on July 9 by Magani Lagaugal (Torres Strait Islanders) Corporation, a Recognised Native Title Body Corporate.
Magani Lagaugal are the prescribed body corporate and trustee Iama and Tudu Native Title holders.
They'll now oversee the exclusive Native Title rights of the Zagai and Mukar, as well as ownership, on behalf of the Iama and Tudu peoples.
"The transfer of ownership from the State to the PBC completes the picture for Zagai and Mukar," Magani Lagaugal chair Ned David said.
"Recognising native title rights is one part. Receiving legal title under Queensland's tenure system is the second part. All uninhabited and inhabited islands should be owned by Traditional Owners."
Torres region PBC peak Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander Corporation (GBK) added the handback was a "major milestone".
Queensland's Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development facilitated the hand back.
Iama and Tudu man Satrick Baluz took possession of the deeds on the day.
Magani Lagaugal is slated to continue its work on the return of Iama (Yam Island) to it's "rightful owners", GBK said.
Iama, which sits between Zagai and Mukar, has a small community shy of 300 people.
Last week, GBK secured federal government funding to deliver a community-led language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy project across the Torres and Endeavour straits.
