Traditional owners have been granted exclusive native title rights over the Purnululu national park after reaching an agreement with the West Australian government.
The Federal Court has recognised Purnululu and Gajangana Jaru claimants as native title holders over the world heritage-listed Kimberley national park, which is home to the iconic Bungle Bungle Range.
First lodged in 1994, the Purnululu claim had been the oldest active native title claim in Australia, according to the Kimberley Land Council.
The agreement was made possible by recent legislative amendments which allow for native title to be recognised in conservation reserves, overruling any prior extinguishment.
It is only the third such agreement in Australia and the second in WA following the recognition earlier this year of the Yarnangu people's native title rights over the Pila Nature Reserve in the Gibson Desert.
The granting of exclusive possession native title recognises the interests of traditional owners from the Kija, Jaru and Malgnin language groups.
Purnululu elder Shirley Drill welcomed the declaration, which also covers the Purnululu conservation reserve, parts of the Springvale pastoral lease and unallocated crown land.
"This is a very happy moment but this process has taken too long," she said in a statement issued by the Kimberley Land Council on Monday.
"I had black hair when this all started. I was asked questions over and over. Now it is finished and now we can finally have our land back.
"I want to stay out there on my country. I want my children to stay out on country."
The council's chief executive Tyronne Garstone said the area was of great cultural significance for traditional owners.
"This is an historic moment for all of Australia," he said.
"This is indicative of the forward-looking approach that governments are now taking ... and the mutual and community-wide benefits that stem from the recognition of traditional owners' ongoing connection to country, their culture, and knowledge."
The Federal Court will hold a ceremonial sitting on country next May to recognise the agreement.
