| The Kiwirrkurra people are referred to in Brown v State of Western Australia [2001] FCA 1462 as those people who hold native title and a common body of traditional law and culture within a determined area of land. The area comprises some 42,228 square kilometres of land, extending west from the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It covers three reserves vested in the Aboriginal Lands Trust for the use and benefit of Aboriginal people. They are subject to lease to the Ngaanyatjarra Land Council (Aboriginal Corporation). There is also a special pastoral lease also held by the Aboriginal Lands Trust and sublet to the Land Council.
The Kiwirrkurra people are comprised of 20 local groups and each individual is affiliated to one or more of these local groups. The community is comprised of less than 200 people and the main language is Kookija.
The Kiwirrkurra people acquire land ownership unconditionally through birth, residence and descent but the capacity of a person to exercise authority over the land is mediated in proportion to their understanding of the ritual knowledge and ceremonial practice. |
