The National Native Title Tribunal has released a new DVD documenting a turbulent history and hopeful future for native title in Australia.
Titled 15 Years of Native Title, the DVD uses archival footage and interviews with key participants to take the viewer on a journey around Australia through the landmark native title determinations of the Mabo case, and the Yorta Yorta, Wik and Wik Way and Noonkanbah claims.
Tribunal President Graeme Neate said the aim of the DVD was to document how ways of dealing with native title claims had developed.
‘A greater understanding of native title has contributed to a change in both attitudes and processes in recent years and this should provide a brighter future for everyone involved,’ he said.
Former lease-holder of Strathburn Station John Fraser got involved with the native title process as a result of the Wik and Wik Way claim, which covered parts of the station.
‘I still think there are a lot of myths out there about land use agreements. It's ridiculous because when you work out an agreement it's a bonus not an impediment,’ he said.
John's feelings are shared by the production's Indigenous participants.
‘There is now a security with native title so people know it is not a bogy, it is a proper legal process,’ Noonkanbah Legal Representative Ernie Bridge said.
Noonkanbah native title holder, Dickey Cox said he wanted others to be inspired by what the Yungngora people had gone through to get their native title recognised.
‘I hope that others see what we have done because maybe they might do something for their own country,’ he said. |