Figure 1: Approximate present-day extentFigure 1: Approximate present-day extent of Western Desert language speakers

Figure 1: Approximate present-day extent of Western Desert language speakers

Figure 1, Map of approximate present-day extent of Western Desert language speakersBrisbane

The park is owned by the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Aboriginal Land Trust (which is composed of the traditional owners of the park) and covers approximately 1,325 square kilometres of the central desert. The Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara, which adjoins the park’s northern boundary, is owned by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. Both the park and the resort are surrounded by the Kaṯiṯi-Petermann Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). Declared in 2015, this IPA incorporates 50,432 square kilometres of Aboriginal freehold land. It is comprised of the Petermann Aboriginal Land Trust (44,993 square kilometres, declared in 1978) and the Kaṯiṯi Aboriginal Land Trust (5,431 square kilometres, declared in 1980).

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and the Kaṯiṯi-Petermann IPA form part of a series of connected protected areas that cross the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia borders, protecting almost 200,000 square kilometres of central desert (see Figure 2). This network of protected areas contains a vast number of sites of cultural importance to Aṉangu, with Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park being part of an extensive Aboriginal cultural landscape that stretches across the Australian continent.

Part A – About Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park 3