Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority facts for kids
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) is an independent group in Australia's Northern Territory. It was created by a special law called the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. AAPA's main job is to protect important Aboriginal sacred sites across the Northern Territory. These sites are very special to Aboriginal people because of their history, spirits, and culture.
Why Are Sacred Sites Protected?
Aboriginal sacred sites are places that have deep meaning for Aboriginal people. They can be natural features like rocks, waterholes, or trees, or places where important events happened in their history or spiritual stories. Protecting these sites helps keep Aboriginal culture and traditions alive for future generations.
How AAPA Was Created
The idea for AAPA started a long time ago. In 1978, a law called the Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1978 was passed. This law created the Aboriginal Sacred Sites Authority. Over time, there were many discussions and changes to this law. People wanted to make sure it worked well with other laws, like the Land Rights Act 1976.
Finally, in 1989, a new and improved law was passed: the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. This new law created the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA). AAPA was given more responsibilities and ways to protect sacred sites even better.
What AAPA Does Today
AAPA works closely with traditional owners. Traditional owners are the Aboriginal people who have a special connection to certain lands and sacred sites. Together, AAPA and traditional owners record these important places on a special list called the Register of Sacred Sites. This list helps everyone know where the sacred sites are.
If someone wants to build something on land in the Northern Territory, they must first get permission from AAPA. This permission is called an Authority Certificate. It makes sure that any new buildings or projects do not harm or disturb sacred sites.
AAPA is guided by a board of 12 people. Most of these board members are senior Aboriginal custodians. These custodians are respected leaders who help make decisions about protecting sacred sites. The board also includes two members chosen by the Northern Territory Government. The other ten members (five men and five women) are nominated by the four Aboriginal Land Councils in the Northern Territory.
