The newly launched First Nation(s) Party will seek to return full control of all Crown Nature Reserves in the ACT to local First Nations people if it is successful at the October ACT election.

First Nation(s) Party leader Paul Girrawah House says the policy marks a bold step toward dismantling colonial legacies and restoring the rightful ownership and stewardship of indigenous lands. 

The policy calls for the transfer of full control and rights of all Crown Nature Reserves, which cover more than 60 per cent of the ACT, including Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla, Molonglo River Reserve, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the Lower Cotter Catchment, Canberra Nature Park and urban reserves such as Black Mountain Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, Mount Taylor and Mount Ainslie, back to local First Nations peoples. 

“This measure honours traditional ownership and empowers indigenous people to reclaim their ancestral lands,” Mr House said. He also announced he would be standing for election in the challenging central electorate of Kurrajong, where the Chief Minister, the Canberra Liberals leader and the ACT Greens leader hold seats.  

“I hope to demonstrate to the people of Kurrajong in the next weeks and months that I can be a strong representative of both First Nations people and all people in the Legislative Assembly”, he said. 

Mr House said Canberra had the highest vote for Yes in the Voice referendum, and he hoped he could bring that Voice to the ACT Legislative Assembly.

“This policy is a revolutionary yet necessary step towards rectifying historical injustices and recognising the inherent sovereignty of First Nations people. We are reclaiming what was unjustly taken from us,” he said.  

“First Nation people’s deep-rooted connection to the land will drive conservation efforts that modern approaches have failed to achieve.” 

“Returning control of these lands to First Nations peoples aims to protect and promote the cultural heritage, languages, and traditions of First Nations communities, providing opportunities for cultural education, the preservation of sacred sites, and the revival of traditional practices.”