Justice Dowsett with Mamu claimants at the Innisfail Shire Hall – Photo: Christine Howes

Mamu Traditional Owners from Innisfail and surrounds are celebrating the recognition of their Native Title after the Federal Court last week 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.

Mamu Elder Victor Maund said it has “taken a long time” for his people to have recognition of their Country acknowledged and therefore their right to remain its custodians and to benefit from it. Along the way many died waiting for Native Title, recognition and the right to do on Country as one as a custodian is entitled to do but now with the Federal Court determination there is hope for those to come.

Mr Maund said 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 assisted the Mamu to develop an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) and for other agreements to allow for developments, for instance of the Mamu Canopy Walkway, now a major tourist attraction which allows visitors to view the lush rainforest from above its canopy – a vista like view.

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 Queensland State Government could withdraw consent to the matter after some changes to the claim group description were made.

Mr Maund said, the long wait to get to 2012, the disappointment at the matter then not proceeding, followed by another year or more of waiting made last week’s determination “even more exciting for Mamu People.”

“It’s taken us all this time to get here,” said Mr Maund.

“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. Following the Court ruling celebrations were strong.

“Our family is very musical so there was a bit of a sing-song – it was always going to be a good day.”

“We’re going to do what we think; it’s in our hearts; we’ve waited long enough,” said Ms McCarthy.

“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.”