Forty years have passed since the Commonwealth government handed back the title deeds for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa to traditional owners.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names and images of Indigenous people who have died, used in accordance with the wishes of their families.

It was a monumental and moving moment in the history of land rights in Australia.

On October 26, 1985, Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen formally returned the famous landmark — which is millions of years older than any cathedral and steeped in deep cultural and spiritual significance — to the Anangu, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (APY) people.

When you drive towards Uluṟu and see the stark, red monolith on the horizon, or stand at its base and look u

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