Ramindjeri elder Karno Walker said his people had tried for more than two decades for recognition as the traditional keepers of the land and waters around the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

The area is already subject to a native title claim by the Ngarridjeri people and has been in the Federal Court for a decade.

“This is not an overnight thing. I am sick of people hiding behind policy when all we want is to be recognised and be allowed to speak for our own country,” Mr Walker said. “We’re sick of others speaking on our behalf.”

Mr Walker said he spoke for seven generations of his family and he wanted to honour both his white and black ancestry.

“William Walker came here before official white settlement, with a Ramindjeri princess (Princess Con) known as Sally.

“The difference between us and the Ngarrindjeri and the Kaurna people is that we have wirrichin – blackfella-whitefella dreaming,” Mr Walker said.

“We don’t want to change anything. We just want acknowledgement.

“As a Walker and a direct descendant of Willy Walker, I assure the people of Kangaroo Island that they have nothing to fear from this. We practise wirrichin and we want unity with the people of Kangaroo Island.”

Member for Finniss Michael Pengilly said he had dealings with the Ngarrindjeri and the Ramindjeri in his electorate.

“This is more about the dispute between the tribes than anything else.

“The Ramindjeri have been excluded by the Ngarrindjeri. The Ramindjeri have raised this issue to seek acknowledgement. The easiest way to resolve it would be for the Ngarrindjeri to give the Ramindjeri some representation on their heritage committee and other representative bodies,” Mr Pengilly said.

SA Native Title Services executive officer Parry Agius said the claim would be difficult. “It requires the traditional owners to prove their physical, spiritual and cultural connection to the land. It comes down to evidence and it will be a long haul,” he said.

He said land which was privately owned could not be claimed for native title.

Crown land, national parks and coastal areas could be claimed.

“If native title is granted it would look like Swiss cheese, with native title only applying where the holes are,” Mr Agius said.

“Mr Walker does not want to create divisions. He wants to bring the people of Kangaroo Island with him.”