Native title holders celebrate return of 'special country' in access win

Utopia region native title holders celebrated the Federal Court's recognition of their native title rights over the land. (Supplied: Central Land Council/Anna Miers )

Native title holders for an area encompassing more than 4,000 square kilometres celebrated a native title consent determination on Tuesday.

Federal court judge, Justice Stephen Burley, said it was a "special privilege" to travel to the remote Utopia region, about 160 kilometres north of Alice Springs, to hand down the decision.

One native title holder says he is proud of the determination and looks forward to taking his children out to his country to keep culture alive and strong.

On a grassy Aboriginal homeland, 160 kilometres north of Alice Springs, native title holders from eight groups in the Utopia region listened on as a Federal Court judge handed them the native title rights to their country.

Justice Stephen Burley, black robes incongruous in the desert landscape, travelled to the remote region to hand down a native title consent determination covering more than 4,000 square kilometres on Tuesday.

"It's a special privilege to see your country," Justice Burley told the gathered crowd, largely of the Anmatyerr language group.

Justice Stephen Burley with native title holders for the determination area, Ray and Murray Nelson. (Supplied: Central Land Council/Anna Miers)

The native title claim, encompassing Mount Skinner and Woodgreen stations, was lodged in 2023, and the determination will allow traditional owners to access Country, protect their sacred sites and conduct cultural activities.

With a mixture of mountain ranges, flat country and semi-permanent rock holes and springs, the claim area is mainly located in Anmatyerr territory.

A traditional dance by Lucy, Helen and Josie Kunoth was performed at the end of the determination ceremony. (Supplied: Central Land Council/Anna Miers)

Graham Long says its important for his people to be able to visit their country, and is proud of the native title win. (Supplied: Central Land Council/Anna Miers)

Native title holders have been fighting for recognition on Mount Skinner Station to access sacred men's sites and places for sorry business, also known as cultural grieving, according to the Central Land Council (CLC).

CLC delegate and native title holder for the Utopia homelands, Graham Long, said the determination was crucial for his people, especially for his children, who he hopes to take out to his country.

"Because [it's] our special country, [it's] really important for us," the Alyawarr man said.

The determination ceremony to