Is Native Title recognition enough?

Historically and before Native Title, the Gunggari people were creating a sustainable future using culture, heritage and stories. Native title will deliver new partners, most likely Government agencies, Regional Development Australia and tourism outlets to assist us strengthen our current assets and to assist us to engage future generations to become involved and take these initiative forward.

Will native title bring with it sustainable outcomes for the future for Gunggari peoples? Native Title is no golden goose but it is a valuable asset and brings new partners to support the Gunggari people continue to build a future for future generations. Native title is bringing strong social outcomes. These outcomes are difficult to measure in dollar or widgets but they include strong mental health provide by demonstrated cultural knowledge. Strong leadership by Elders provides many examples for youth to seek out and undertake education and careers.

The Gunggari native title journey has shown that recognition is an important goal for native title. It would unfortunate if the policy makers and native title spokespeople sought to place a higher value on executing claims that have a wealth goal or large productivity payments. Sustainable social outcomes that come as a consequence of recognition are equally as important as wealth.

The final thoughts on is recognition enough are provided by a young Gunggari women and her views reinforce how native title provides a future that is not linked inextricably to economic independence:

"Into the future native title will allow our culture, language, ceremonies to stay alive and fluid. We can bring our future children and grandchildren to Country, to walk barefoot along the river banks and let our ancestors connect with us. Gunggari stories, knowledge and culture will continue to be shared and passed on. We will be able to look after and care for this land and it in turn will look after and care for us".