Nicholson J
This is the first native title determination in the Pilbara
WA's resource rich Pilbara region has achieved its first native title determination with recognition from the Federal Court that the Ngaluma/Injibandi people continue to hold a traditional connection to their land.
Federal Court Justice Robert Nicholson travelled to Roebourne for a special determination hearing, which will finalise the claim over almost 25,000 square kilometres situated 100 kilometres South West of Port Hedland.
The court found that the Ngaluma/Injibandi hold non-exclusive native title rights over parts of their claim area. The rights relate to access to some areas, the right to conduct rituals and ceremonies, the right to hunt, fish, forage, collect bush tucker, bush medicine, ochre, flora, fauna and water. The native title holders also have the right to protect and care for sites and objects.