New chapter starts for Girramay people

The traditional custodians of almost 96,000 hectares of land and waters around Cardwell today had their ancient rights formally recognised.

At a special hearing in Cardwell, the Federal Court of Australia formally recognised in law the native title rights and interests of the Girramay people.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the determination recognised exclusive native title rights and interests over about 1200 hectares, and non-exclusive native title rights and interests over about 94,700 hectares of land around Cardwell, along the coast up to Tully Heads.

“Today Australia recognises what the people have always known,” Dr Lynham said.

“This signals the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Girramay people and their way of life.”

Girramay Elder Abe Muriata said the determination formally recognised his people’s native title rights and interests in accordance with traditional laws and customs.

“The land and its waters have shaped our innate cultural values and have been of great significance to the Girramay people through multiple generations,” he said.

“This tribal connection hails back to the original formation of the Girramay people and recognises we are the rightful and traditional owners – and original custodians of this land.

“This is land on which our families have met, lived, used as a primary food source, and managed the flora and fauna.

“In modern times, we are treating this land in the same regard as our ancestors did – hunting, fishing and gathering, holding meetings and teaching younger generations about their country and the need to maintain places of importance and significance.

Dr Lynham congratulated the Girramay people, other respondents and the Federal Court for the diligence and spirit of co-operation required to achieve these outcomes.

“I commend the Girramay people – their commitment to resolve this native title claim will help to further preserve our nation’s rich Indigenous culture,” he said.

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Media contact: Jan Martin 0439 341 314

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