Another Native Title handover in the Barkly

Justice White from the Federal Court was there again to hand over recognition of the traditional owner's ongoing connection to country, in the Buchanan Downs and Hidden Valley pastoral leases.

Native title holder Raymond Dimakarra Dixon said it's been a long battle to gain recognition but he's proud of what the group has achieved.

"It makes us proud of who we are. It's been a long journey for my people and that country has always been in our hearts and we're going to cherish it and pass is on to the next generations," he said.

According to the Northern Land Coucil, the native title determination means traditional owners have the right to take resources from their country and use them for any purpose, including commercial.

NLC chief executive officer Marion Scrymgour said this is an important part of the native title agreement.

"It is important that the Court is recognising what Aboriginal people have always known - that there was a customary economy in place, which is being recognised in contemporary times."

More than 150 native title holders had their rights recognised at Old Banka Banka Homestead this week as well.

After nearly two decades in the courts the native title holders of the Banka Banka (East and West), Helen Springs and Powell Creek pastoral leases celebrated recognition of their ongoing connection to country at a consent determination.

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