[Greens-Media] Greens welcome recognition of Nyoongar native title over Perth

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens welcome recognition of Nyoongar native title over Perth

Senator Rachel Siewert welcomed the announcement by the Perth Federal
Court today recognising the Nyoongar people as the traditional owners of
the Perth region and upholding their native title claim.

"Justice Wilcox decision recognises the long-standing claim of the
Nyoongar people that there was a single Nyoongar community occupying the
Perth metropolitan region in 1829," said Senator Siewert.

"The Nyoongar community has faced an uphill battle to maintain their law
and culture in the face of European settlement," she said. 

"It is a tribute to their strength and determination that they have
survived policies that sought to remove their children, their language
and their culture."

"Nyoongar language and culture are strong and experiencing a renewed
resurgence. Now with their native title claim recognised they are in a
much stronger position to continue their role as custodians of this
land," said Senator Siewert.

"Our congratulations to the Nyoongar people. We wish you all the best
with the resolution of the remaining claim over the south-west region."
	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE


Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues


Tuesday, 19 September 2006