Native title holders from the Imarnte land holding group were granted consent determination of native title

History was made at Rainbow Valley on Tuesday as native title holders from the Imarnte land holding group were granted a consent determination of native title for their land.

Many Aboriginal elders received copies of the Native Title Consent Determination. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

History was made at Rainbow Valley on Tuesday as native title holders from the Imarnte land holding group were granted a consent determination of native title for their land.

The decision, which was handed down by The Hon. John Edward Reeves of the Federal Court, was well received by the local senior Aboriginal elders who were in attendance.

“The Imarnte native title claimants are members of a society who share a body of laws and customs which originated with their ancestors,” Justice Reeves said.

“They believe the traditional laws and customs they observe today were established by those ancestors who owned and controlled this land.

“This determination of Native Title is important. It will guide the conduct of the current and future generations of the Imarnte people and their neighbours in their ongoing cooperative relationships with respect to his land.”

Two senior Aboriginal women holding copies of the Native Title Consent Determination Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

The determination area has been jointly managed by the native title holders and the NT Parks & Wildlife Commission (PWC) since 2005.

The native title holders have worked alongside PWC rangers to manage the reserve for visitors and to protect its cultural and natural values, for example through weed and fire management and building tracks.

Many Aboriginal elders received copies of the Native Title Consent Determination. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

Many Aboriginal elders received copies of the Native Title Consent Determination. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

Many Aboriginal elders received copies of the Native Title Consent Determination. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

When the Central Land Council negotiated the joint management arrangement with the Northern Territory, the government agreed to consent to a Native Title claim over the area.

However, it did not agree to the lodgement of the claim until June 2018.

On the 28th June 2018, Eric Braedon and Peter Kenny, acting as the authorised applicant for the Imarnte people, filed the Native Title Determination application over this claim area.

“I am really glad that we have got through and we’ve just waited for a long time for this to come along and now we have already achieved that,” Mr Kenny said.

“We are the traditional owners here and we will continue with our future generations to come.

“We are very glad it has happened and it took a long time for our mum and dads to get all their stories together.”

Peter Kenny (far right) with friends and family. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAN

Peter Kenny shaking hands with Justice Reeves. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

Mr Braedon, an Aboriginal elder of Rainbow Valley, shared a common theme that was said by many senior members of the audience who had gathered to witness the historic moment.

“This place, Rainbow Valley, belongs to my grandfathers and my grandfathers, grandfathers,” Mr Braedon said.

“They hunted and lived all around this country, they left their mark here. You can see that in the paintings and rock carvings. I wanted to have something that is recognition that this is my country and now we have it in my hand.”

Eric Braedon, an Aboriginal elder of Rainbow Valley. Picture: SATRIA DYER-DARMAWAN

Justice Reeves said this particular claim has progressed very quickly, from it being lodged last year to the consent determination which took place.

“That is an extraordinary achievement compared to the length of many proceedings in the court which can last up for 20 years,” he said.

“The fact that so many senior members of the claim group are unable to be here today to witness this proceedings of the court, underscores the need to ensure that the Native Title proceedings that are before the court are moved towards completion as quickly as possible.”