Traditional land owners in the Southwest Pilbara region are celebrating the legal recognition of their land and culture after a Federal Court ruling.

The Jurruru People applied in 2000 for native title recognition of about 10,500 square kilometres of land stretching between the Shires of Ashburton and Upper Gascoyne.

A consent determination had since been made recognising their non-exclusive rights to the land, after the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) took on their claim.

The Jurruru People have a living culture maintained through ceremonies, beliefs, music, art, laws and knowledge of the spiritually imbued landscape.

The ruling means the Australian legal system recognises the Jurruru People had their own system of laws and customs in relation to land and ownership, well before European settlement.

YMAC CEO Simon Hawkins said achieving a consent determination was rare.

"Traditional owners have to present connection material that shows their constant connection to country, through a report that's prepared by an anthropologist," Mr Hawkins said.

"It's a great way of avoiding the very expensive costs of litigation, but with the current State Government, it is a very high bar that we have to meet."

The majority of the Jurruru people today live in the towns of Roebourne, Onslow, Karratha, Paraburdoo and the Aboriginal community of Wakathuni.

'Not a lease or a title'

A Jurruru traditional owner said the decision was celebrated after it was made at an on-country meeting at Perrys Flat, near Kooline Station, west of Paraburdoo.

"Native title is not a lease or a title of ownership of land," Ivan Smirke said.

"It's recognition, respect and acknowledgment of the wider Australian community and its leaders of our nation that the laws, culture and heritage of our ancestors still exist."

The rights recognised in the determination include non-exclusive rights, such as the right to hunt, fish, gather, take and use the traditional resources of the land, and the right to take and use water.

Mr Hawkins said the recognition also meant if there were any new plans for development, there should be good faith negotiations with traditional owner groups.

"Native title doesn't stop mining, you can't stop mining in Western Australia," Mr Hawkins said.

"But in my experience if you come towards a party with a respectful view and you're trying to take on board some of their concerns, then generally people are quite reasonable and try and reach an agreement."

The Jurruru have already signed a number of future agreements with mining companies, something Mr Hawkins said was evidence that they were ready, willing and able to negotiate.

"That said, there's quite a few companies that still view - even 20 years after Mabo - native title as an impediment," Mr Hawkins said.

"The Jurruru people have always known they are the Jurruru People, but to have formal recognition is a massive achievement and a step in the right direction."

YMAC is currently representing over 20 native title claims on WA's north.

So far they have received only four consent determinations, with a further two following on from legal proceedings.