Minister congratulates Yindjibarndi people on native title determination

• Yindjibarndi native title determination delivered at an on country hearing of the Federal Court of Australia
• Determination grants exclusive possession over 2,700sqkm in the Pilbara 

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt has today attended the on country determination of the Yindjibarndi Native Title Claim in the Millstream National Park.

The determination by the Federal Court has recognised that the Yindjibarndi people hold exclusive native title for an area of 2,700 square kilometres just north of the Karijini National Park.

This claim was first lodged by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation in 2003, making it one of the longest running native title claims in the country.

The determination today finalises the settlement process for the claim. The Minister has also confirmed that the State Government would not be appealing against the decision.

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:

"On behalf of the Western Australian Government, I congratulate the Yindjibarndi people on their successful determination, and of achieving recognition of their native title rights over their land. 

"Today's declaration has been the culmination of a long struggle by the Yindjibarndi people.

"I look forward to working with the Yindjibarndi people to see what opportunities they wish to pursue and seeing the traditional owners make decisions about their land."

Minister's office - 6552 5900