After 25 years, the Wirangu people have native title over part of their traditional lands on South Australia's west coast, but it is a "bittersweet" moment.
None of the original applicants are alive to see their families accept more than 5,000 square kilometres of land from Acraman Creek, south of Smoky Bay, to Port Kenny.
Justice Natalie Charlesworth formally handed down the Federal Court findings at a special hearing on country at Streaky Bay this week.
The claim encompasses Streaky Bay and the sacred rocks at Murphy's Haystacks.
It is part one of a three-part claim that also includes a joint claim with the Nauo people for land from Port Kenny to Elliston, as well as a sea title claim.
About 60 people, including Streaky Bay area school students, gathered on the lawns to hear the history of the claim that was lodged in August 1997.
Wirangu Aboriginal Corporation chair Keenan Smith said it was an emotional day.
"It's bittersweet, in the sense that it's amazing we've gotten here," he said.
"We've accomplished it now. We've triumphed, but also … I wish my grandmother was here to celebrate this with me.
"We lost her over 10 years ago."
Wirangu elder Veda Betts, 79, said it was a historic day.
"It brings a tear to my eye as I think about my grandmothers and before them, how they struggled for this Wirangu land — it's beautiful," she said.
"It's emotional for me.
"My memory goes back to the old people and how they struggled and strived on this land."
Mr Smith said it had been a long process.
"It's interesting in that we have to prove to the court that we have a connection to country and our culture even though the government has had a role in our disconnect," he said.
'White legal construct' adds difficulties
Attorney-General and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs of South Australia, Kyam Maher, said native title was difficult.
"There are native title claims that sometimes take a decade or even two and a half decades, and those who started, unfortunately, have passed away by the time it's concluded," Mr Maher said.
"It gets difficult when you're putting different constructs, a white legal construct over what's happened on this country for tens and thousands of years."
He said there were also overlapping claims of different native title groups, which could be difficult for European law to deal with and recognise.
"I completely understand the bittersweet nature, the happiness of this finally being recognised but also the sadness," Mr Maher said.
"What it means is the recognition of what most people already know — this always has, always will be, Aboriginal land."
Part of the compensation from the state government to the Wirangu was the transfer of land that was formerly the old police station and horse yard.
That will be developed as a cultural centre.
Mr Smith said having the Federal Court determination at Streaky Bay was symbolic of the Wirangu link to their traditional lands.
"It's great having it here on country because it reminds people that we're still here. We've always been here," he said.
"It hopefully starts a new beginning of a relationship with the people from here."
Streaky Bay District Council Mayor Travis Barber said the community welcomed the determination and looked forward to working with the Wirangu people.
