Native Title
The following Dunghutti comment is taken from page 3 of the Dhanggati Grammar and Dictionary with Dhanggati Stories book (2007) by Amanda Lissarrague.
“The written form ‘Dunghutti’ is a respected mark of identity in the community particularly since the successful Crescent Head Native Title decision in 1997. Language played a major role in that determination.
The list of variant spellings and names include Danghutti, Dhanggat, Djaingadi, Dang-getti, Danghetti, Danggadi, Dhangatty, Thancatti, Thangetty, Dangati, Dangadi, Yuungai, Yunggai. Tangetti, Tang-getti, Burugaardi, Burgadi, Boorkutti, Nulla Nulla, Amberu, Himberrong, Jang, Yung.
The two names Dhanggati and Burrgati are associated with the country.”
Amanda Lissarrague’s research is based on the recordings of Dhanggati Elders, written historical records and the knowledge of Dhanggati people today.
The term Dunghutti People was applied to the Federal Court Native Title determination on the 7th April 1997 and the incorporation of the Dunghutti Elders Council (Aboriginal Corporation) 11 November 1996.
“It is a moment of which our ancestors would have long hoped, whereby the whole Australian community through its courts has fully recognised the meaning of the land to the Aboriginal people”
“. . . We have survived. We carry with us and shall not forget the determined refusal of our ancestors to deny who they were.”
Mary-Lou Buck – Statement outside of the Court
Mary Lou Buck is the first Aboriginal to file for a claim to lands and protection under the law on mainland Australia.
Dunghutti Elders Council 2022
It’s been 30 years since native title was first recognised in the historic decision of Mabo v Queensland (No 2) in June 1992. The Dunghutti Elders Council (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC was incorporated on 11 November 1996 and is registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
The Dunghutti Elders Council (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC is the first Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) in Australia, the Tribunal President Justice Robert French - Federal Court in Sydney congratulated the Dunghutti people on gaining a place in Australian history as the first determined holders of native title on the Australian mainland on the 7th April 1997. A registered native title body corporate that manages native title claims and holds compensation funds from native title claims on behalf of the Dunghutti people in the Kempsey region of New South Wales.