Our Purpose

A STATEMENT OF OUR PAST.

'The aboriginals of Bathurst and Melville Islands remained a unified entity repelling any unwanted effects of alien contact, embracing others, and generally enjoying authority over their own lives and customs for a period of two centuries." (Krastins,V. "The Tiwi: A Culture Contact History of the Australian Aborigines on Bathurst and Melville Islands 1705-1942." BA Hons thesis, ANU: 1972)

A STATEMENT OF PRESENT PURPOSE

We believe that the Tiwi Land Council provides a continuation of those processes now affirmed in legislation; recognising our one language and common and distinct customs; our constant contact with each other and shared hunting grounds and ceremonies; our established practice of calling meetings and seeking the advice of our elders that have served our people for thousands of years, and is a recognised and respected authority for the management, protection and development of our interests. "
(Matthew Wonaeamirri, Eddie Brooks, Hycinth Tungutalum, Raphael Aputumi, Cyril Rioli - A Special Meeting of Clan Leaders at Pulurumpi, 1 June 1977.)

OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE

"Our vision is of an independent and resilient Tiwi society built on the orderly and well managed utilization of our natural and human resources through reliance upon our own management, maintenance and protection of unique cultural and natural resource values for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations of Tiwi."
(Tiwi Land Council Meetings and Workshops developing the strategies and responsibilities leading to publication and ratification of the Tiwi Islands Regional Natural Resource Management Strategy, 29th. September 2003.)

Background - Structure

Establishment of the Tiwi Land Council followed representation by the Tiwi for recognition of their distinct geographic and cultural identity. These representations were a consequence of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 which came into operation on 26 January 1977.

A special gathering on Bathurst Island attended by the then Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Honourable Ian Viner instituted the Tiwi Land Council on 7 September l978 following Gazettal of the Land Council in Special Gazette No S 162 of 18 August 1978.

History
: THE BEGINNING : THE ISLANDS ARE FORMED : EUROPEAN CONTACT

Bathurst and Melville Islands were proclaimed an Aboriginal Reserve on the 4th of December 1912. Title Deeds in favour of the Tiwi Aboriginal Land Trust granting an estate in fee simple on Bathurst and Melville Island were signed by the Governor General on 30 May 1980. Various anomalies in the initial Deed of Grant led to a consolidated Certificate of Title for Bathurst Island, Buchanan Island, Melville Island and Clift Island being issued on 12 January 1987.


The Islands - Traditional Land

 LAND GROUPS : MAPS

The 60 kilometres of water between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands have provided a useful barrier in permitting the Tiwi people largely unrestricted use of their own land over many centuries. Bathurst and Melville Islands were proclaimed an Aboriginal Reserve on the 4th of December 1912.

The total land area is almost 780.000 hectares. Melville Island is the second largest islands off the Australian mainland and spans 570,000 hectares. Bathurst comprises 210,000 hectares.

Tiwi Culture

Tiwi Dance/ Football and the Tiwis