Kapi Palya Kanyintjaku: Protecting significant water places in our Country

The De Rose Hill and Tjayiwara Unmuru native title determinations gave overdue recognition of the long held rights and interests of Anangu. Given the determination areas are within South Australia’s pastoral estate, the rights and interests of Anangu co-exist with those of the lessee. While this has been the case for some time, with Aboriginal ‘access’ rights embedded in the state’s pastoral legislation, in practice the ability for Anangu to access and look after their country on pastoral lands has been inconsistent depending on the on-ground relationships. In the case of De Rose Hill, Anangu were actively denied access to their lands.

Building positive relationships between Anangu and pastoralists is thus important in ensuring that native title holders enjoy their rights and interests and are able to care for country.

This presentation discusses some of the successes and challenges over the last few years as we have strengthened relationships with pastoralists so that we can look after country. In particular, we discuss the Kapi Palya Kanyintjaku project and the work we have done to protect and restore rock-holes, clay pans and soaks. We also look to the future and reflect on how we can build on these foundations to look after culture and country.