1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people held their first national meeting at Eva Valley in the Northern Territory, 3–5 August 1993, to formulate a response to the High Court decision on native title. It was resolved to present the Eva Valley Statement to the Prime Minister.

2. There is an urgent need for this Statement which follows to be considered by all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We reject the Commonwealth Government's position on the proposed legislation. We want legislation based on native title to advance Aboriginal rights to land. The Federal Government proposal does not. The government must only move on this issue with the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The development of any legislation regarding the Commonwealth Government's response to the High Court's decision on native title will need the full and free participation and consent of those peoples concerned.