The historic Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru native title determination was celebrated at an on-country ceremonial sitting on Wednesday.
The on-Country celebration followed the recognition of native title over the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, which was determined in the Federal Court of Australia in December 2022. It is the second Section 47C Native Title Act Agreement in Australian history. The first was also achieved in Western Australia.
The determination recognises exclusive native title rights and interests over the National Park and Conservation Estate and recognises native title over neighbouring pastoral country and other areas of Crown land.
The celebration also coincides with the recent opening of the Purnululu Visitors Centre and 20-year anniversary of World Heritage listing for Purnululu.
The Western Australian government said it will continue to support the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation as the registered native title body corporate for the determination, who is managing native title on behalf of the Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru Native Title Holders.
Member for Kimberley Divina D'Anna said the determination represents "a massive achievement for the Traditional Owners and I am so glad to see it come to fruition".
"The original custodians have always known that they are connected to the land, now the law recognises that as well. It is wonderful news," she said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti congratulated the native title holders at the Purnululu on-Country Native Title Determination ceremony on achieving this "momentous outcome".
"The determination in December 2022 concludes one of the oldest native title claims lodged in the Federal Court of Australia, and the WA Government looks forward to building a genuine and lasting relationship with the Bungle Bungles Aboriginal Corporation," he said.
