A judge in Australia surprised the nation by recognizing Native title to the entire metropolitan area of Perth.

The judge's decision does not turn over any land to Aborigines. But it would require the government to ensure the Noongar people have access to the land and can continue to hunt, fish and maintain sacred sites.

Politicians in western Australia have reacted wildly to the ruling. The Australian government is considering joining an appeal.

Get the Story:
Australian Court Rules That the City of Perth Belongs to Aborigines (Agence France-Presse 9/21)
Australia unease at Perth ruling (BBC 9/21)
Call for end to native title 'hysteria' (The West Australian 9/21)

Relevant Links:
South West Aboriginal Land & Sea Council - http://www.noongar.org.au
Native Title Tribunal - http://www.nntt.gov.au

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Australian tribe granted native title to 46M acres (06/30)
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Top official wants Aboriginal culture in schools (1/24)
Australian tribe offers to loan artifacts to museum (07/29)
Australian tribe obtains order to reclaim artifacts (7/27)
Aborigines feel ignored by Australian government (04/19)
Australian Aboriginals hold memorial for dead teen (02/19)