The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement: Native Title Unit are proud to be convening the annual Native Title Conference. The conference has grown into an annual event that attracts speakers and delegates from around Australia. The conference is the most important event on the annual calendar for the collective discussion of native title issues. It provides an opportunity for Australia's best thinkers on Indigenous issues to present current research, concepts, and policy direction

The 2004 conference will be hosted by the Kaurna people of Tandanya (Adelaide) ‘place of the red kangaroo’, and be held in Pattawilyangka (Glenelg). We would like to acknowledge them as the traditional owners of this country, and thank them for allowing us the opportunity to hold this event on their land.

We welcome all delegates to the conference and call on them to actively participate in setting the agenda for genuine change in native title practices in this country. It has now been 12 year's since the Mabo decision. The ongoing erosion of the potential for rights recognition established in this case is something that must be viewed with concern. Collectively, we must find a way to bring social justice back into the native title process. The title of this year's conference is edifying as it points us in the direction required to achieve this task, and at the same time reminds us of what is at stake. If the Indigenous peoples of this country are to gain lasting and concrete native title rights, then the necessity to build strong relationships is critical. It matters for all people that native title works and it is people like you who will make it work.

Page last updated: 7 May, 2004
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