Native Title research

Entities engaged in Native Title research, such as Native Title Representative Bodies and respondent parties, can request copies of AHWA managed records for the purpose of gathering evidence relevant to a Native Title claim.

 

Native Title rights and interests relate to land and waters that are held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under their traditional laws and customs, and recognised by common law. Native Title may exist in cases where this connection has remained substantially uninterrupted since British colonisation. Particular rights and interests may include the right to live and camp in the area, conduct ceremonies, hunt and fish, build shelter, and visit places of cultural importance.

The Federal and High Courts determine whether Native Title does or does not exist in given areas and whether a claim to land has been accepted.

Eligibility

Applicants in this category are:

  • Aboriginal organisations representing a native title claim registered with the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) — (usually Representative Bodies under the Native Title Act 1994)
  • the State of Western Australia through the Department of Premier and Cabinet Aboriginal Policy and Coordination Unit (APCU) and the State Solicitor’s Office
  • individuals representing a registered native title claim
  • respondent parties.

AHWA manages access to records for Native Title applicants under the Native Title Access Policy.

Records we manage access to

Submit a request

Policy

Page reviewed 23 August 2024
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