After Centuries of Struggle, Land Rights Finally Acknowledged

In Australia, the Federal Court of Australia has formally recognised nearly 1 million hectares of land in Cape York as belonging to the Guugu Yimidhirr, Yiithuwarra, and Wuthathi people, marking a landmark win for Indigenous landowners.

“This recognition affirms what our families have always known, that we are the traditional owners of this country,” said Elder Erica Deeral of the Guugu Yimidhirr people, as communities celebrated the long-awaited legal decision.

The native title determination covers approximately 915,000 ha of territory, spread across land and sea in Far North Queensland, including ancient tribal estates near the route of explorer James Cook’s 1770 landing. The ruling caps off decades of legal campaigns and negotiations involving state authorities, local councils and industry. It aims to open new avenues for Indigenous-led land management, conservation and local economic development.