Country, Culture, People, Future

February 2010

The Pilbara Project – a new blog by FORM

Posted: February 23rd, 2010

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FORM have let us know about a blog site that is endeavouring to build a network associated with the Pilbara.

The Pilbara Project blog is a forum for observations from anyone, anywhere in the world, who has encountered the Pilbara, or recognises it in the places they have travelled to in their lives or in their minds. Ideally it will reach out to those who have moved on to other places or maybe they are just thinking about coming to the Pilbara.
Please encourage others to contribute…discussion around anything is appreciated, growing up in the Pilbara, fishing, the build form, the landscape, Aboriginal Art, the marine life, crazy nights, anything would be warmly received and when appropriate perhaps push it further afield to others that might have encountered the region.
http://www.thepilbaraproject.com/

Nyangumarta share environmental knowlege

Posted: February 11th, 2010

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Nyangumarta Traditional Owners are working with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) to conserve the special marine environment of the Eighty Mile Beach area.

Consultation has been undertaken over 18 months between the Nyangumarta people, Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and the Marine Policy and Planning Branch of DEC. In addition, DEC has been working with six other native title groups along the Pilbara coast to investigate the idea of marine parks and reserves.

Engagement with the Nyangumarta people
· In separate groups, men and women recorded sites of resource use and special features. From these mapping exercises, the working group recognised a number of important cultural areas along Eighty Mile Beach.

· Traditional Owners also created seasonal harvest calendars, revealing the key marine resources for the Nyangumarta people.

· Site visits to important cultural areas allowed Nyangumarta people teach DEC about their connection with coastal and sea country. The Nyangumarta people have an intricate knowledge of their country and retain a strong connection through sacred sites and ceremonial activities.

· A brainstorming session was also held to explore the future aspirations of the Nyangumarta people for the coastal strip. Protecting cultural sites, stories and songlines’ was regarded by the Nyangumarta people as the most important component of any proposal for a marine park in the area.

· Nyangumarta aspirations for their coastline and sea country are best summed up by the phrase “Ngalpa warran, ngalpa marrngu”, which translates to “Healthy country, healthy people”.

Nyangumarta Traditional Owner, Nyaparu Rose said, “The best part about the process was that DEC came to the people. They sat down and learned from us. We taught about the seasons, about hunting and fishing, about bush foods. It was also a chance for young Nyangumarta people to go out on country and learn from their Elders. So it was like a workshop for our younger generations too.”

Image: Nyangumarta Traditional Owners with DEC representatives on a site visit.

Watch ‘The Long Walk’

Posted: February 1st, 2010

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On 11 June 2009, the Nyangumarta People of Western Australia gained legal recognition of their country and culture. Watch the DVD here:

The Long Walk

 

Country is our mother, the provider and keeper of cultural belongings. Country and Culture go together. You can’t have one without the other.

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians throughout Western Australia, and on whose Country we work. We acknowledge and respect their deep connection to their lands and waterways.

We honour and pay respect to Elders, and to their ancestors who survived and cared for Country.

Our offices are located on Whadjuk Country, Southern Yamatji Country, Yinggarda Country, Kariyarra Country, and Yawuru Country. We recognise the continuing culture, traditions, stories and living cultures on these lands and commit to building a brighter future together.

Disclaimer: Caution: Please be advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased people.

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