Barkandji Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC

The Barkandji Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is the registered native title body corporate representing the Barkandji people, the traditional owners of a vast area in western New South Wales, Australia. This corporation acts as the trustee of the Barkandji people’s native title rights, which were formally recognised by the Federal Court of Australia in 2015. The Barkandji people’s connection to their land and waters, especially the Baaka (Darling River), is central to their cultural identity and wellbeing.

Mission and Vision

The corporation’s mission is to preserve, protect, and provide access to traditional lands and cultural water for future generations. It aims to enrich and support the welfare of the Barkandji community both now and into the future. The vision centres on sustaining the health of the Baaka Darling River, which is considered the lifeblood of the Barkandji country, and ensuring that the cultural and natural resources are managed in a way that respects traditional laws and customs.

Main Objectives

• To hold and manage native title rights and interests on behalf of the Barkandji people.
• To facilitate the transfer and management of key lands, such as the Tar-Ru lands, within the native title determination area.
• To support cultural and natural resource management, including the protection of sacred sites and waterways.
• To engage with government and stakeholders to ensure Barkandji rights and interests are recognised and upheld.
• To promote sustainable economic development opportunities for the Barkandji community.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries are the Barkandji people and Malyangapa people, who hold native title rights over the determined lands and waters. These rights include access to land, use of natural resources, cultural activities, and protection of sacred sites. The corporation also supports the broader Barkandji community, including future generations, by safeguarding their cultural heritage and promoting community wellbeing.

Services and Activities

• Management and protection of native title lands and waters in accordance with traditional laws.
• Implementation of cultural and environmental programs, such as the Barkandji Healthy Country Plan, often through the Barkandji Rangers.
• Negotiation and administration of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) with government agencies.
• Facilitation of community development projects and economic initiatives linked to land and water management.
• Advocacy and representation of Barkandji interests in legal, environmental, and governmental forums.
• Education and cultural preservation activities to maintain and pass on traditional knowledge.