The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the Central Land Council are delighted to once again be convening the annual Native Title Conference. Now in its fourth year, the Native Title Conference provides the preeminent forum for collective discussion on issues related to native title in Australia. The conference is a platform for Australia's best thinkers on indigenous issues to present current research, concepts, and policy directions. Just as importantly, the conference is an opportunity for native title holders, representative bodies, academics and government representatives to meet in one place to exchange ideas and technical advice, and to debate, listen and respond to the wide scope of views.

The 2003 conference will be hosted by Lhere Artepe and the native title holders of Alice Springs. We take this chance to acknowledge their generosity in allowing this event to take place on their country.

We wish to extend a warm invitation to you to attend this year's conference. In uncertain times it is the person who is willing to make a stand, create possibilities, and fly in the face of accepted opinion that will make a difference. A rewarding and exciting opportunity is in front of us to create the future-please come and be part of it.