Yilka People & Culture
The Yilka People are largely Ngaanyatjarra language speakers, a group which forms part of the wider ‘society’ commonly referred to as the Western Desert Cultural Bloc. There are many groups across the Western Desert region which share strong cultural similarities and adhere to the tjukurrpa(law/dreaming).
Yilka People have a strong affinity to their land through the tjukurrpa. Knowledge of tjukurrpa or Law is passed on to younger generations through art, storytelling, song and dance. With the knowledge of tjukurrpacomes responsibility to look after country.
Native Title
The Yilka native title claim was filed on 15 December 2008 and covered 12,260 square kilometres north-east of the town of Laverton. The claim included the Cosmo Newberry Aboriginal Community (Community) and four Aboriginal Reserves (22032, 20396, 25050 and 25051) and the Yamarna Pastoral Lease.
The Yilka native title claim was determined (WCD2017/005) by Justice Neil McKerracher on 27 September 2017 at a ceremonial sitting of the Federal Court of Australia at Yilurn (Jutson Soak), east of the Community. The Yilka People are recognised as holding mostly exclusive use, occupation and possession native
title rights and interests over the area.
Through processes that are people focused, outcome orientated and, innovative, professional and collaboration
Our Organisational structure
The Yilka Group includes several organisations that support our people, protect Country, and create opportunities. Each plays a role in governance, land care, culture, and enterprise, all led by Yilka People.
