Who are the traditional owners of Groote Eylandt?

Groote Eylandt, located in the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory of Australia, is traditionally owned by the Anindilyakwa people. The Anindilyakwa people have lived on Groote Eylandt for thousands of years and have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land and sea in this region.

They are the traditional custodians of the island and have a strong cultural heritage that includes unique languages, art, and customs.

The Anindilyakwa Land Council represents the interests of the Anindilyakwa people and plays a key role in land management and cultural preservation on Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island, which are collectively known as the Anindilyakwa Islands.

This Land Council is responsible for negotiating agreements, managing land, and ensuring that the rights and interests of the Anindilyakwa people are protected.

It’s important to note that the traditional ownership and custodianship of land in Indigenous Australia are based on complex cultural and historical factors, and these rights are recognized and protected by Australian law.