HISTORIC Larrimah native title claim: Aboriginal traditional owners win historic case in Top End tow

"We got our country back", said Jimmy Wavehill, who celebrated the historic win in Darwin.

photo taken from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-24/jimmy-wavehill-1/10425492

As reported by the ABC and other news agencies, an historic land rights win has been recognized in the Federal Court of Australia as of Wednesday.

For 18 years, the Wubalawun people have fought to gain native title rights over one square kilometer of land over the township of Larrimah, in the central Top End. But whats the point, i hear many readers ask? The Wubalawun community has been living on an outstation outside of the troubled township of Larrimah, 500 kilometres south of Darwin. Elders hope the younger generation will now be able to move into the town and take control of the economy."We've got the bargaining power in regards to talking to the Northern Territory Government in assisting us to build the township of Larrimah, which I believe can prosper," Mr Maroney said talking to the ABC."Building that town back up and making it a friendly town, instead of a town that you just pass in, get your fuel and pass through."The area under native title covers just one square kilometre, and is currently home to 11 residents."It's relatively small, but it is nevertheless a significant determination,"

The right of self determination and the ability to experience true individual economic liberalism, is the right for any community to determine. No community should be subjected to different laws or regulations based on race, religion or political belief. This historic decision doesn't give the Larrimah any special privileges, it gives the Larrimah the same privileges as everybody else in Australia.

The Reason for the Decision?

Larrimah Ariel View

Photo taken from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-24/larrimah-from-above/10425386

The reason the Northern Territory government recognized the land claim was due to he recognition of an Indigenous Economic system that existed in the area, prior to white settlement. Northern Land Council Chairman Joe Morrison said "It means there's recognition that there was basically an economy that Aboriginal people had at the time of the settlers arriving," this was a precedent by another native title case in the Torrest Strait. Justice White said it was significant the Northern Territory Government had delivered joint statement with the claimants."I believe now that our next generation should be able to stand up and say, 'yes, this is our country', finally," Mr Maroney said. There are also plans for ranger program to be set up to further secure opportunities for generations of Wubalawun people to come.

By Adam spinZ