The Kaurna people have been officially recognised as the traditional land owners for most of Adelaide 18 years after their claim was first made.

It is the first time a native title agreement has been reached for land in a capital city.

The new native title area runs from Myponga to Lower Light and from the foothills to Adelaide's coastline.

It also includes rights for 17 parcels of undeveloped land not under freehold.

“I am confident there are mixed emotions being experienced today. Relief, exhaustion, pride, celebration,” Justice Debra Mortimer told a packed court room this week.

“To see any native title claim through to determination takes fortitude, dedication and courage on the part of the claim group.

“To see a claim lodged 18 years ago through to determination is particularly poignant and shows a special kind of fortitude.”

Kaurna woman Katrina Karlapina told reporters outside the court that it was a wonderful day.

“An absolutely proud moment, not just for Kaurna but for Australia, this is huge,” she said.

“A lot of Kaurna people haven't been here to witness this, but we've carried the baton and it's been worth it.

“Now that we're owning up to our history and deciding that we're going to share this land, we can work magic for all our children.”

An Indigenous Land Use Agreement is expected be finalised with the State Government in coming months.