- by Graham Holton
- The Guardian
- Issue #2168
Photo: Ek2030372672uhhhhh – wikimedia.org (CC BY-SA 4.0)
On 26 October 1985 the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian Stephen, returned the title deeds for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa to the Aṉangu people. Now known as ‘Handback,’ this event is highly significant for Aboriginal land rights history and the Aṉangu, as it recognises the Aṉangu’s connection to Country, land rights and reconciliation. On Saturday 25 October the 40th anniversary Handback ceremony will be held at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park with a public celebration concert. This concert will be held at the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku sunrise site with inma (traditional dance and ceremony), live performances, and markets.
On 16 October King Charles attended a commemoration for the 40th anniversary at Australia House in London meeting nine Uluru-Kata Tjuta traditional owners. Traditional owners want to maintain their culture for future generations. Sammy Wilson said, via interpreter and fellow traditional owner Harry Wilson: “It sort of brings us into tears and sadness, but happiness as well.”
Tapaya Edwards, chair of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park’s board of management said: “Our vision for the national park is that it is a place where Tjukurpa – Aṉangu law and culture – can be kept strong for future generations. There is still much work to be done and, over the next 40 years, we look forward to seeing our young people carry this flame forward as they learn Aṉangu traditional knowledge and Western knowledge to care for country and keep Tjukurpa strong.”
Regaining the land was a long battle. In 1976 the Australian government passed the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act. This was the first time Indigenous Australians had a legal pathway to claim land where traditional ownership could be proven. Nine years later the Hawke Labor government handed back the title deeds for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The Australian government returned ownership of Uluru to the local Pitjantjatjara people, with the condition that the Aṉangu would lease it back to the National Parks and Wildlife agency for 99 years.
The Northern Territory’s then-leader, Ian Tuxworth, campaigned against the handback and demanded that the Commonwealth hand Uluru to the Territory government. Then-federal LNP opposition leader, John Howard, suggested Uluru could be bought back in the future. Neither argument was successful and it remains in the hands of the Aṉangu.
