About this Resource Kit
Native Title Consent Determination
The Yaegl (Yagirr) people are the Traditional Owners of the land (wadyarr) and waters (ngaru) from Ulmarra to Yamba along the Clarence River and from Woody Head to Wooli along the NSW north coast. Their connections to this wadyarr is strong and enduring, and many areas within these reserves are of cultural and spiritual significance.
This connection has been recognised through the Federal Court of Australia granting Native Title consent determination of Yagirr Lands and Water in 2015 and Sea Country Determination in 2017. The Sea Country Determination came two years after the Yagirr People won an 18-year battle to have their Native Title rights and interests recognised in the land-based part of their claim.
The Federal Court granted the claim group their traditional rights over this area, in the longest-running Native Title dispute before the court. The late Aunty Della Walker (nee Laurie) and Aunty Joyce Clague (nee Mercy) were instrumental in the Yaegl claim group’s journey for recognition of Yaegl People’s Native Title rights.
Sea Country Education
The NSW marine estate includes Yaegl Sea Country. Sea Country includes the islands, beaches, headlands, rocky shores, ocean and estuaries, and holds spiritual significance for cultural practices and activities.
Sea Country contributes to our health and well-being and understanding its history and our connections to Sea Country is important for the whole community. Yaegl Lore promotes the respect for and sustainable use of Sea Country and its resources.
This education kit has been kindly supported under the Marine Estate Management Strategy Initiative 4 – Aboriginal Cultural Values of the Marine Estate. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development works with Aboriginal communities in the management of Sea Country to reduce threats and risks to Aboriginal cultural heritage. We thank them for their support.
This resource has also been supported by Parks Australia, whose Central Eastern Marine Park is located far offshore, beyond the continental shelf.
