{"id":306964,"date":"2021-10-07T11:24:12","date_gmt":"2021-10-07T01:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=306964"},"modified":"2021-10-07T12:00:50","modified_gmt":"2021-10-07T02:00:50","slug":"koa-rights-recognised-in-court","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2021\/10\/07\/koa-rights-recognised-in-court\/","title":{"rendered":"Koa Rights Recognised In Court"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Resources Minister Scott Stewart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

October 7, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

Western Queensland\u2019s Koa people have had their identity strengthened following a Federal Court decision in Winton.<\/p>\n

Koa traditional owner Pamela Hegarty said the Native Title determination of nearly 865,000 hectares of land and waters near Winton would help provide justice for her ancestors.<\/p>\n

\u201cHolistically, this will strengthen Koa people to move forward not only on country but for the very essence of their Koa identity,\u201d Ms Hegarty said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will diminish myths about Koa people and rectify misconstrued thoughts and opinions once and for all about Koa traditional land ownership of country in its entirety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Resources Minister Scott Stewart congratulated the Koa people on their historic determination.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cToday is a momentous day for the Koa people as the Federal Court recognises what they have always known about their connection to their land,\u201d Mr Stewart said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom today onwards the Federal Court formally recognises the Koa people\u2019s ancient rights on country including hunting, fishing, gathering and conducting ceremonies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Native Title determination will ensure the traditions and values of the Koa people are respected and preserved for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said the determination recognises the rights and interests over 864,988 hectares of land and water between Corfield, Winton and Kynuna.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Queensland, we are committed to acknowledging Indigenous Australians as the traditional owners of this land and righting the wrongs of our past,\u2019\u2019 Mr Crawford said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis landmark decision is the latest step on our Path to Treaty, truth-telling and reconciliation in this state.\u201d<\/p>\n

Koa traditional owner Robert Duncan Sr said the determination was a significant step forward for the Koa people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is one step towards reclaiming Koa country again,\u201d Mr Duncan said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will let our families know where our elders and ancestors come from.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am very happy now, but in the beginning it was a struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Footnote: Many descendants of the Koa (Guwa) people currently live at Cherbourg.<\/em><\/p>\n