40 years since Uluru handback: a historic milestone
King Charles has helped commemorate a defining moment in Aboriginal land rights as he attended a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Uluru handback. The event, held at Australia House in London, brought together Uluru-Kata Tjuta’s traditional owners, the Anangu, and senior diplomats to celebrate the return of title deeds for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to its Indigenous custodians. The handback, formalized on October 26, 1985, symbolised a turning point in Australia’s approach to Indigenous land claims and governance, offering a legal avenue for traditional ownership to be recognised and respected.
The mood in London: reverence, reflection, and a hint of pride
Among the nine Anangu delegates who travelled from Australia to mark the anniversary, there was a mix of tears and smiles as they stepped onto the marble floors of Australia House. “It sort of brings us into tears and sadness, but happiness as well,” said Sammy Wilson, speaking through an interpreter, with fellow elder Harry Wilson beside him. The ceremony underscored the enduring significance of Uluru’s handback for Indigenous Australians and the ongoing journey toward greater recognition of Anangu governance and knowledge systems.
From law to land: the long road to the handback
The handback traces its roots to 1976, when the Australian government passed the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, creating a legal pathway for Indigenous Australians to claim land where traditional ownership could be proven. Nine years later, the Hawke government returned the title deeds for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a move welcomed by supporters who saw it as a concrete step toward self-determination. The ceremony in Uluru drew hundreds of spectators and was hailed by many as a vital milestone for Australia’s national identity and its treatment of Indigenous rights.
Contested views and lasting impact
Not all voices joined in celebration. At the time, Northern Territory leader Ian Tuxworth campaigned against the handback and even urged a possible future “buy-back” of Uluru. On the political front, then-opposition leader John Howard suggested a similar possibility. Decades on, those debates have quieted as the Indigenous ownership of Uluru-Kata Tjuta today remains firmly with the Anangu, who continue to steward the land using a blend of traditional law (Tjukurpa) and contemporary governance practices. Tapaya Edwards, chair of the park’s board of management, emphasized a forward-looking vision: the park should be a living place where Anangu culture thrives alongside Western knowledge, ensuring Tjukurpa remains central for generations to come.
A royal link and a possible return
The Anangu carry memories of royal visitors to Uluru that span decades. King Charles visited Uluru in 1983, before the handback, and subsequent visits included members of the British royal family, notably Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, in 2014. London-based Anangu representatives recalled the latter trip fondly, with one elder noting that the visit helped forge a personal connection—an impression that may influence future royal engagements. “Would you like to come back in the future?” an Anangu delegate reportedly asked William; his reply, “I will come back,” remains a cherished moment in the community’s oral history. This history fuels ongoing speculation about a potential royal tour of Australia, though officials say such plans rest with the palace and Australia’s government.
Looking ahead: celebration on country and ongoing collaboration
As the anniversary festivities continue, Anangu leaders prepare to return home to Australia for celebrations on country, with the Prime Minister expected to join. The event underscores a broader commitment to recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and integrating traditional knowledge into modern conservation and governance. The next 40 years, according to community leaders, will focus on empowering young Anangu to carry forward their cultural knowledge and to continue caring for Uluru-Kata Tjuta in a way that respects both Tjukurpa and Western science.
