Ezra Mabo speaks at the National Native Title Conference.
Convened by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) in conjunction with NTSCORP Limited, on the lands of the Gumbaynggirr people, the conference promotes public debate about native title and provides an opportunity for native title parties to share information and experiences.
"It is an opportunity for conference delegates to come together and talk about the real issues and challenges to creating pathways for greater benefits for native title holders and traditional owners," said AIATSIS Council Chairperson, Mick Dodson.
"It is vital we continue to build on Eddie Mabo's legacy."
Representing the Mabo family at the conference, Eddie Koiki Mabo's grandson, Ezra Mabo said it was inspirational to be with people from around the country all coming together for the one cause.
"The message right across Australia is the same – there is a need here and it's good to see everyone on the same page," Mr Mabo said.
"Mabo Day means a lot to me – it's about the man and the journey. Because our family has already won native title, today is about sharing how important it is for the wider community to learn what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have contributed to this country pre and post European contact.
"It's a massive day for us and I'm really lucky and honoured to be here representing my family."
Conference keynote speaker Dr Wen-‐Chi Kung, a member of the Tayal tribe of Taiwan, said the landmark Mabo Case was a wonderful achievement for Australia's first people.
"The Mabo Case has had a tremendous impact upon all Indigenous peoples elsewhere including in Taiwan. It is inspiration for the Indigenous people of Taiwan to keep striving to achieve native title rights," Dr Wen-‐Chi Kung said.
"It is a great honour and a privilege to be invited to be the international keynote speaker for this year's National Native Title Conference."
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