Woppaburra people are celebrating the recognition of their Native Title rights over Konomie (North Keppel Island) and Woppa (Great Keppel Island).
In a Native Title hearing on Konomie, Justice Darryl Rangiah recognised Woppaburra Traditional Owners native title rights over 567 square kilometres of Country off the coast of Yeppoon, Queensland.
The determination, handed down on Friday, covers 13 islands, the two largest of which are Woppa and Konomie.
Woppaburra Elder Uncle Bob Muir told NITV News it was an emotional day.
"It's exciting, it's been a long journey as well, it's been a hard job," he said.
"It's a lot of different, mixed emotions to tell you the truth, but it's something that I'll certainly remember for the rest of my life, that's for sure.
"It is a great thing for all of us, for our young ones to hopefully look at coming up this way and get involved in the future of management."
The Native Title application was first filed in 2013, but the Woppaburra people's fight goes back much further than that.
A smoking ceremony and dance held before the determination. Source: Supplied
Mr Muir said his people were removed from the islands in 1902.
"Unfortunately, in the business of taking us off Great Keppel Island (Woppa), they divided families," he said.
"There were families going down to Brisbane, to Hervey Bay, and up to Cairns, so they really divided people.
"For a long time it was very hard for us to get back together. 1984 was the first time we had a reunion on the islands and since then Woppaburra people have been very proactive in working towards today.
"The outcome from today is something we can all celebrate."
'Step towards healing'
Woppaburra Traditional Owner Lesley Barney said the determination is a step in the right direction.
"Despite being removed we have survived as a group and maintained family connection," she said.
"(It's a) step towards healing the trauma of the past and provide a new sense of pride to young people."
Ms Barney said despite the impacts of colonisation and forced removals of Woppaburra people from the islands, her people have maintained a strong connection to their homelands.
The crowd on the island for the Native Title determination Source: Supplied
"It's been 117 years between removal to recognition of our rights," she said.
"We have maintained our identity and connection despite these hardships.
"Our Elders and ancestors who have passed will be with us in spirit on this day."
Mr Muir said he hopes Friday's decision will mean young Woppaburra people will return to Country.
"I see this as the start of a long journey," he said.
"It's a start and we'd like to be able to look at doing things where our people can get back and get involved in the tourism side of things, or education and management.
"Because we were dispossessed and sent all around the state, I'd like to see our young people coming back, living in this area again and being an active part of the community as well."
