Newman Government recognises traditional ownership of Mapoon

The Newman Government today marked the start of National Reconciliation Week by formally recognising Indigenous ownership of land at Mapoon, approximately 75 kilometres north of Weipa.

Assistant Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs David Kempton said 1757.7 square kilometres of Aboriginal freehold title land on the western Cape York Peninsula had been handed over under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991.

“Mapoon is home to about 260 people, including Traditional Owners affiliated with seven clans – the Tjungundji, Yupangathi, Taepadhiji, Mpakwithi, Ankamuthi, Warrangku and Attambaya,” Mr Kempton said.

“Title to the land has been transferred to the Old Mapoon Aboriginal Corporation for the benefit of all of Mapoon’s Aboriginal people and recognises their traditional, spiritual, social, historical and cultural connection to the land.

“This land transfer acknowledges the rights of Aboriginal people connected to the Mapoon lands to manage, use and enjoy the land for their ancestors.”

Mr Kempton said the land handed over today was part of the Mapoon Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT), which was issued on 5 December 1988.

“Much of the land is under the jurisdiction of the Mapoon Aboriginal Council which was formed after local government elections in 2000,” he said.

“In negotiating the transfer of the DOGIT, the Government has respected the prevailing community view that the town area should remain under the sole trusteeship of the Council.”

Mr Kempton said the deed was presented following the unveiling and official opening of the First Contact Memorial at Mapoon which marks the first sighting in 1606 of Europeans – Dutch sailors on the Duyfken.

“Today’s handover has special significance for the Mapoon community which was established in 1891 by the Presbyterian Church as the Batavia River Mission,” he said.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, we remember past injustices including the regrettable events of 1963 when Mapoon residents were forcibly removed from their land. 

“As today also marks the 46^th anniversary of the 1967 referendum that removed clauses from the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Indigenous people, handing over the deed makes this already historical day even more significant for the people of Mapoon.” 

[ENDS] 27 May, 2013

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