The Federal Court of Australia has formally recognized the Guugu Yimidhirr, Yiithuwarra and Wuthathi peoples as the traditional owners of approximately 915,000 hectares of land in Cape York.
Hearings took place in Cooktown and Cairns this week.
The decision is a significant development in the legal recognition of indigenous land rights in the region, which has a strong history of organizing by the Guugu Yimidhirr, Yiithuwarra and Wudathi peoples.
In the 1970s, Wuthathi Elders led campaigns against industrial developments such as sand mining in Shelburne Bay and a proposed space base at Cape Flattery.
These efforts contributed to the formation of the Cape York Land Council (CYLC) in 1990.
Now, more than thirty years later, the Federal Court has confirmed the uninterrupted connection of these communities with their traditional territories.
The determination follows extensive negotiations with the State of Queensland, local councils and private entities.
Richie Ah Mat, acting CEO of the Cape York Land Council, emphasized the importance of the ruling.
“This recognition reflects the resilience and unity of our people, who have been fighting for land rights for generations,” he said in a statement.
Elders from the communities expressed relief at the long-awaited justice.
“This recognition confirms what our families have always known: that we are the Traditional Owners of this land,” said Guugu Yimidhirr Elder Erica Deeral.
“After all these years, it feels good to know that our hard work has not been in vain,” said Yiithuwarra elder Hans Pearson.
Clara Day, chair of the Cape York Land Council, recognized the contributions of previous generations, many of whom did not live to see the outcome.
She also noted that this decision could promote collaboration between indigenous communities, local industries and conservation efforts.
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