It has been three decades since Aboriginal traditional owners won back Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the federal government.
In 1985 it was a controversial decision, with some Australians complaining that the iconic site in the heart of the country belonged to all citizens.
"It was dividing a nation because a lot of people had a lot of different views; it was a big thing, handing back a major icon for all Australians," said Leroy Lester, whose father was the chief interpreter between the Anangu and officials during negotiations.
"When you're handing it to one group of people, that made it awkward for the new Australians to come to grips with.
"They thought, 'oh, you know, this is supposed to be for everybody, not only for Anangu, Yakunjatjara, Western Desert mob, Pitjantjatjara mob. This is for everybody.' It caused a bit of a political stink," he said.
As soon as they received the title deeds to the land, elders signed a 99-year lease agreement with the government, with the park to be jointly managed by traditional owners, in a move that infuriated the Northern Territory government.
Today, the Anangu people say the agreement has mostly been successful, although some have questioned how much has really changed for them.
In a video produced for the anniversary by Parks Australia, Mr Lester said the handback was good.
"Because it gives Anangu locals the recognition, and also gave the opportunity for Anangu to run the park the ancient Anangu way; patch-burning of spinifex, tracking, gathering seeds, running jointly with rangers and traditional owners," he said.
Anangu man Malya Teamay said locals were thrilled to get the land back, and hoped work opportunities would follow.
"This place has important law and stories. It's significant culturally and spiritually. Getting the land back was the right thing for all Anangu," he said.
"Other people come and stare and say, 'this place has changed'. It's the things we've developed over time across generations. We want our young people to become men who get work, including the top jobs in the community," he said.
Barbara Tjikatu's husband accepted the title deeds to the land from Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen on October 26, 1985.
"We should never let this land go again. Do you understand? We can't let it go," she said.
"Future generations can get an income, ongoing employment opportunities for generations to come. For all Anangu to work all of us! No one should be better off than the other."
Vincent Nipper said he wanted the government to close the walk on top of Uluru, which is still permitted but is upsetting for the Anangu.
"That's bothering us. It's offending the people. It's dangerous as well," he told AAP.
"It should stop. Parks should try close the climb for five years, see what happen."
He said it may affect tourist numbers, but ultimately the rock is still a sacred site.
"Uluru, it's a real big place, it's a real big sacred place for Anangu," he said.
