Traditional owners in a Far North Queensland town will have their culture and traditions preserved for generations after a special land handover ceremony today.
The Gulngay (Gool-nay) People were handed title deeds to more than 42 hectares of land around Tully and Hull Heads in Far North Queensland.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the ceremony recognised the deep and ancient connection the Gulngay People share with their Country.
“It marks a significant milestone in their journey and gives them the ability to manage the environmental and cultural values of the land for present and future generations,” Mr Stewart said.
“As the land can never be sold, it will be held in trust for future generations so the Gulngay People can strengthen their connection to their traditional lands, stories, lore and culture.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to the Path to Treaty and to working with all First Nations people to embrace and respect our diverse cultures.”
The Kinjun family, to which the traditional owners belong, are the only remaining descendants of the Gulngay People.
Gulngay Kinjufile Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC board member Clarence Kinjun, said he was proud to accept the deeds on behalf of his family.
“The handover of the additional seven parcels means we can continue to give our young people a place to go to learn about their culture on Country,” he said.
“We can share our stories and teach our youth the traditional methods of looking after the land, hunting, fishing and caring for the plants and animals.”
The land handover is in addition to more than 70 hectares returned to the Gulngay People in 2021 and follows on from their 2019 Native Title determination.
Over the past three decades more than six and a half million hectares of land have been returned to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Queensland.
