Aborigines given ownership of Perth by judge (Australia)

[IndianaGreen]

21 September 2006
Aborigines given ownership of Perth by judge
By Kathy Marks in Sydney
Published: 21 September 2006

Aborigines have been declared the traditional owners of Perth and given the right to hunt and fish in the area, in the first successful claim by indigenous people to an Australian state capital.

The landmark ruling by the Federal Court astonished Aboriginal groups, with one community leader, Noel Pearson, welcoming the "absolutely extraordinary" decision. The judgment opens the way for similar claims over cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

However, the state government of Western Australia said it would appeal, and it may be joined by the federal government. The Prime Minister, John Howard, said his initial reaction was "one of considerable concern".

The judge, Justice Murray Wilcox, granted the Nyoongar people "native title" over more than 6,000 sq km of land, including Perth and its surrounds. That means they can use it for traditional activities such as hunting, camping and fishing, as well as looking after sacred sites and generally caring for the land.

The judgment will not affect homes or businesses, as the Australian courts have ruled that native title does not apply to land owned on a freehold or long-lease basis. Mr Justice Wilcox cautioned that it was "neither the pot of gold for the indigenous claimants nor the disaster for the remainder of the community that is sometimes painted".

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/australasia/article1655632.ece

[Kiouni]

1. cool

since very little of australia is hospitable this is monumental.

[Mind_your_head]

2. Wow - fascinating

I can't say that I understand all of the implications....but "implications" are definitely THERE. It would/will be interesting to monitor how this all plays out.

Peace,
M_Y_H

[samsingh]

3. this is good.

[Hawkowl]

4. How about US

It would be just if native Americans could get a similar deal.

[Nostradammit]

5. The time has come, a fact's a fact -

it belongs to them

Let's give it back........



http://www.midnightoil.com/

[entanglement]

6. No wonder Howard the fascist is pissed, this is great news

n/t

[SpiralHawk]

7. Time for Chimpy and Republicons to step up to the plate

There is the little matter of the 480 broken or violated treaties with the Native American nations -- every treaty the USA has ever entered into with the full honor and faith of the nation, they USA has broken or violated. Every single treaty. No exceptions. I think of it as Republicon family values in action (over time).

[Mind_your_head]

8. Hangs head in shame......

...truly I do.

every treaty the USA has ever entered into with the full honor and faith of the nation, they USA has broken or violated.