After 1880

The lives of Miriuwung Gajerrong people (MG people) had been severely affected by the establishment of pastoral leases in the East Kimberley and the arrival of cattle ranching. This had significant and progressive impacts on the native fauna and flora of the region, the traditional food sources of the MG people, as well as on many places of deep significance to local culture and beliefs.

After 1960

Similar impacts had flowed from the construction of the township of Kununurra, the Diversion Dam and irrigated farmlands in the early 1960’s.

1971

The Argyle Dam was built, inundating vast areas of MG land and significantly altering the natural environment. The MG and other indigenous people were not consulted and no compensation for the impact on their land and life was offered.

1994–1995

In 1994–1995 the Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Kija people lodged two native title claims over their traditional country in the North-East Kimberley.

2000

When the Government of Western Australia proposed to expand the Ord River Irrigation Area, it was obliged — under the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 — to consult and negotiate with the traditional owners, the MG people. The MG Global Negotiations Steering Committee advised the State Government that negotiations on any development of the Ord Irrigation Project Stage 2 could not take place until the impacts of Ord Irrigation Project Stage 1, caused by the building of Lake Kununurra and Lake Argyle dams, were addressed.

2003

The Full Federal Court handed down the Miriuwung Gajerrong native title determination on December 9, 2003 bringing an end to almost a decade of litigation.

2004

The State Government funded the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) to initiate a consultation process to assess the impacts of Ord Stage 1. In June 2004, the the State Government, senior MG representatives and other interested parties signed the OFA FAQ (OFA). The OFA covers a Deed for compulsory acquisition of native title rights and interests relevant to the proposed Ord Stage 2, and establishes a broad package of compensatory and other measures as a platform for future partnerships between the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, WA State Government, industry and developers for the benefit of the wider community and the East Kimberley Region.

2006

Yawoorroong Miriuwung Gajerrong Yirrgeb Noong Dawang Aboriginal Corporation (MG Corporation) was established to represent and advance the native title and community interests of the MG people, the traditional owners of the lands affected by the Ord River irrigation scheme around Kununurra, WA.