www.firstnationstelegraph.com
Native Title for Mamu
by Christine Howes 2 November 2013
M
amu Traditional Owners from Innisfail and surrounds celebrated the recognition of their Native Title later today after the Federal Court handed down a Determination over parts of an area of approximately 1600 square kilometres extending from Kurramine in the south, Millaa Millaa in the west and Jogo in the north. The claim was first filed in April 2001 by the North Queensland Land Council on behalf of Mamu People after a community meeting in Wangan. In the meantime the North Queensland Land Council also assisted Mamu to develop an ILUA and other agreements to allow development of the Mamu Canopy Walkway, now a major tourist attraction which allows visitors to view the rainforest from canopy level.
Justice Dowsett and the Mamu Claimant group at the Innisfail Shire Hall. Image: Christine Howes, Northern Land Council
Finalisation of their claim, originally scheduled for September last year, was delayed after challenges from another group. The Court also had to rule on whether the State could withdraw consent to the matter after some changes to the claim group description were made. The long wait to get to 2012, the disappointment at the matter then not proceeding, followed by another year or more of waiting made today even more exciting for Mamu People. “It’s taken us all this time to get here,” Elder Victor Maund said. “This went on for a long time before we put in our original application in 2001, we had some progress in the early 2000s but it’s been the biggest fight. “We’re so happy to finally be here.” Mr Maund’s sister Marion McCarthy said they could hardly wait.
“Yesterday we all had a picnic along the river here, just to bring everyone together and try to contain our excitement,” she said. “Our family is very musical so I’m sure there will be a bit of a sing-song - it’s going to be a good day. “We’re going to make it a good day, even if it rains it’s going to be the best day. “We’re going to do what we think; it’s in our hearts; we’ve waited long enough. “We didn’t think we’d ever get it, actually. “I’m glad they gave it to us because I’ve lost three sisters along the way in the past few years, and the other day we lost another old lady, and they all waited for their Native Title. “I’m 73 and I’ll tell you what, I wanted Native Title, I did. “It is recognition and, you know, it’s time; it really is our time.”
Page 1