Traditional owners have secured formal recognition of their rights across 961 square kilometres of rugged East Kimberley country in Western Australia, under the Nganjuwarr consent determination.

Federal Court Justice Anna Longbottom delivered the consent determination on Country on Wednesday, watched by Traditional Owners, Kimberley cultural leaders, government officials and local families.

The decision marked the culmination of negotiations between Nganjuwarr applicants, represented by the Kimberley Land Council, and the State Government.

A consent determination is made when the parties agree that native title exists, avoiding the need for a contested court trial.

The claim was lodged with the Federal Court in September 2024 and added to the National Native Title Tribunal's register in January 2025.

Kija and Ngarinyin Traditional Owners, including Raphael Sampi, Phillip Speewah, Carol Juli, Lucilla Martin, Edward Muckarie, Jacqueline Gallagher, Ivan Morgan and Joseph Bedford, led the claim for the Nganjuwarr group.

Mr Sampi said the day brought relief and peace to him following years of negotiations, saying "we have finally achieved our goal and got our country back."

WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch supported Mr Sampi's statement, noting the vast, water-rich and hilly country.

"This is beautiful country, and it's yours. It's yours by virtue of the traditions, the culture, the laws that you have followed continuously," he told Traditional Owners.

KLC deputy chief executive Sarah Parriman said the Nganjuwarr consent determination could open doors for Traditional Owners across a range of areas.

"Native title can play a really important role in strengthening our communities. People can leverage their own rights in multiple ways, including economic opportunities, social cohesion and caring for Country," Ms Parriman said.

The Giilliwingan Aboriginal Corporation will act as the prescribed body corporate, managing native title rights for the Nganjuwarr people.

The corporation will represent native title holders in decisions and negotiations shaping their country's future.