In Australia, at least, it seems this whole land claims and reparations business is getting rather serious. “The judgment will not affect homes or businesses, as the Australian courts have ruled that native title does not apply to land owned on a freehold or long-lease basis.” However, if the judgment is upheld against an expected appeal by the state of Western Australia, descendents of natives may win the right to convert public lands in the city (such as urban parks) into permanent encampments, and boaters worry that control over the right to use waterways may also be affected. (Kathy Marks, The Independent (U.K.), Sept. 21; “Native title could lock up parks: Ruddock”, AAP/The Australian, Sept. 22; Chris Merritt and Patricia Karvelas, “Title win boosts capital city claims”, The Australian, Sept. 21). Perth is a city of 1.5 million. A native claim over land in Melbourne and its environs is expected next. (Ben Packham, “Native title claim looms”, Herald-Sun, Sept. 21).
“Aborigines given ownership of Perth by judge”
In Australia, at least, it seems this whole land claims and reparations business is getting rather serious. “The judgment will not affect homes or businesses, as the Australian courts have ruled that native title does not apply to land owned on a freehold or long-lease basis.” However, if the judgment is upheld against an expected […]
One Comment
It seems that the aboriginals of austrailia have been quite successful at pressing their claims of land entitlement. The capital of the Western province, Perth, now belongs to the Nyoongar people.
As brutal as it was on the North American continent, even as outlined in the book you sent “Lies my teacher told me”, there is some advantage for having utterly crushed the native populations here. Civilization as we have known for centuries depends upon the guarantee that people can hold and convey clear title to land and other real properties. I wonder what my title insurance says about payouts for sucessful indian claims in St. Louis.