from the ACT and NSW, and organisations that work with young people leaving care, with the aim of teaching them to undertake family research for their Indigenous clients who have been disconnected from their culture. The training was well received and evaluated as excellent. Subsequent to the training, correctional institutions, community service organisations and an interstate child protection agency have expressed interest. National Native Title Conference The National Native Title Conference was held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre from Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 June 2017 and attended by 884 delegates from across Australia. The conference was co-convened by AIATSIS, North Queensland Land Council, and held on the country of the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people. This year’s conference celebrated the 25th anniversary since the High Court of Australia’s Mabo decision and the theme was: Looking back, Looking around us and Looking forward. The program featured over 75 presentations and 150 speakers, with over half of speakers being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Our on youth was significantly developed this year. The 2017 Youth Forum brought together young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia with an interest in native title. Participants shared their stories, drew strength from common experiences and explored the challenges and opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in native title processes in both their communities and nationally. The public program (Days 2 and 3) included a strong on improving the rights and interests, resources and opportunities for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), such as regional economic coordination and capacity and capability building projects. In the public session, there was a focus on PBC governance and developing economic and commercial opportunities, new advances in cultural heritage and ethical research partnerships. Many sessions explored issues and potential reforms in native title law to strengthen the rights and interests of native title holders through legal mechanisms for land reform, authorisation and decision-making options, agreement-making and compensation. There was a focus on native title rights for fresh water and sea country, with presentations working with the frustration many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples expressed to address new ways forwards for legal rights to and management to water. The Living Off Our Waters online exhibition was launched at the conference (see page 69) and attendees were able to access the online exhibition on tablets at the exhibition The Indigenous Affairs Minister visited the stall, met with project lead Dr Rod
from the ACT and NSW, and organisations that work with young people leaving care, with the aim of teaching them to undertake family research for their Indigenous clients who have been disconnected from their culture. The training was well received and evaluated as excellent. Subsequent to the training, correctional institutions, community service organisations and an interstate child protection agency have expressed interest. National Native Title Conference The National Native Title Conference was held at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre from Monday 5 - Wednesday 7 June 2017 and attended by 884 delegates from across Australia. The conference was co-convened by AIATSIS, North Queensland Land Council, and held on the country of the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people. This year’s conference celebrated the 25th anniversary since the High Court of Australia’s Mabo decision and the theme was: Looking back, Looking around us and Looking forward. The program featured over 75 presentations and 150 speakers, with over half of speakers being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Our on youth was significantly developed this year. The 2017 Youth Forum brought together young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia with an interest in native title. Participants shared their stories, drew strength from common experiences and explored the challenges and opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in native title processes in both their communities and nationally. The public program (Days 2 and 3) included a strong on improving the rights and interests, resources and opportunities for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), such as regional economic coordination and capacity and capability building projects. In the public session, there was a focus on PBC governance and developing economic and commercial opportunities, new advances in cultural heritage and ethical research partnerships. Many sessions explored issues and potential reforms in native title law to strengthen the rights and interests of native title holders through legal mechanisms for land reform, authorisation and decision-making options, agreement-making and compensation. There was a focus on native title rights for fresh water and sea country, with presentations working with the frustration many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples expressed to address new ways forwards for legal rights to and management to water. The Living Off Our Waters online exhibition was launched at the conference (see page 69) and attendees were able to access the online exhibition on tablets at the exhibition The Indigenous Affairs Minister visited the stall, met with project lead Dr Rod
aiatsis-annual-report-2016-17.docx