Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, today joined the Gurindji people, traditional owners of country, and Northern Territory Land Council representatives in Kalkarindji to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Wave Hill Walk Off.

Minister Scullion paid tribute to the strong Gurindji people, particularly Vincent Lingiari, for the courage they took in standing up for their people and their country.

"The Wave Hill Walk Off has long been acknowledged as a watershed moment in the journey to the recognition of land rights in Australia," Minister Scullion said.

"The Gurindji were pioneers of the Aboriginal land rights movement and I salute the courage of their convictions and the actions they took that made the rest of Australia stop and take notice.

"Many of those brave pioneers have since passed away, but many are still alive and here today and we must celebrate the special place they hold in Australian history.

"The legacy of these pioneers was completed in 1986 when more than 3000 square kilometres of land was granted to the Gurindji people as Aboriginal land.

"The Australian Government congratulates all those involved in this weekend's celebrations and encourages all Australians to take the time to better understand the story of the Gurindji people at this time."

Media contact: Ben Houston (0429 236 016)