Woppaburra woman Samala Cronin stands on the pristine white sand of Konomie, or North Keppel Island, watching her people be formally recognised as the area's rightful custodians.
It is a bittersweet moment.
Almost 120 years ago, her people were forcibly removed from their islands in central Queensland, enduring deep suffering, but in a historic ruling on Friday, they were recognised as native title holders, proving their unwavering connection to their land.
Ms Cronin said the ruling would set a precedent for others still fighting for native title determination.
"Today is not like any other day," she said.
"It's not like any other native title consent determination.
"We are the only native title group to be removed from country for over 80 years and to achieve exclusive native titles rights over our country."
In a special on-country hearing on Konomie, the Honourable Justice Rangiah of the Federal Court of Australia ruled more than 567 square kilometres of land and sea would be recognised as Woppaburra country.
The claim includes 13 islands including Woppa, known as Great Keppel Island.
The native title claim group includes descendants from Yulowa "Weerobilling", Nellie "Ooroong-ooran", Oyster Maggie, and Fanny Lohyse/Singh.
Ms Cronin said the claim was originally contested by the state and federal governments because of the requirement to prove an unbroken, continuing connection to their land — a difficulty at first because of the more than 80 years spent off-country after their brutal removal.
"Our people suffered greatly on these islands," Ms Cronin said.
"For us to have what we have today, to get the successful outcome against every odd, it's a precedent in native title.
Queensland South Native Title Services said the recognition of exclusive and non-exclusive native title returned rights to the Woppaburra people, including to possess, occupy, use and enjoy parts of the area to the exclusion of all others, and the non-exclusive rights to hunt, fish, and gather from the water.
Meaghan Cummins from the Konomie family said she first got involved with Debbra Witteman in looking after country through a Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) 17 years ago.
Her message to Woppaburra people was to "remember the removal and rejoice in our resilience".
After the determination was made, Ms Witteman said "you'll hear a lot more of us, and always [be] welcome to come on country and enjoy our festive moments on Konomie".
A long journey
Elder Uncle Bob Muir has been at the centre of the battle for land rights for decades, which began with his mother on Woppa.
"Through that, we got land through the Queensland Aboriginal Land Act and now we have native title recognised as well.
"So it's been a big journey."
Mr Muir said Woppaburra people were taken from their country in 1902, and it was not until 1984 that they returned.
He said the experience of coming together was "very special … let alone the recognition of native title".
Strength in the future
Mr Muir said the ruling meant Woppaburra people would once again manage their own country, and also increase their presence in terms of tourism and business in the area.
He said the determination, surrounded by Woppaburra people, was "surreal".
"It's very special, as an Elder, you really want to try and make sure that the work and the things we do will be carried on by our young people," he said.
Ms Cronin also said the experience of seeing her family, their babies, and children playing in the ocean was "transcendent".
For Jordan Cummins, the day was especially significant.
It was the first time his baby son, Elijah, and his older daughter had been on Woppaburra country.
"I feel blessed, privileged," Mr Cummins said.
"While we haven't entirely got our land back, we're actually recognised now."
