Wongi people win Native Title after 25-year battle to be recognised

Aubrey Lynch (pictured above) has fought for 1/4 of a century for Native Title.

The claim was called the Nyalpa Pirniku claim, meaning 'Old many' in language. It was named by Aubrey.
"Nyalpa means old and Pirniku means many," he said.
"Old People, many paths, so we named it Nyalpa Pirniku.”

“A lot of our Old People have passed on so today is a milestone, it is a real big milestone in that history but also, it's sad.”

This is a win.

As it stands, 87 percent of Western Australia is now subject to Native Title claims, more than any other state.
With this win, the community hopes there will be more to come.

But things move slowly in this space and it is not an easy walk to proving Native Title.

Those applying for native title must show evidence that they have a continuous connection to the land and have maintained their traditional customs. Communities have found that proving 'continuous connection to the land' can be close to impossible in light of the ongoing displacement to the land, the stolen generations and the loss of language and culture.

The struggle continues.