2010

Nyangumarta share environmental knowlege

Posted: February 11th, 2010

Filed under: Environment, Marine, Nyangumarta

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

Filed under: DVD, Nyangumarta, The Long Walk

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

YMAC’s Cris Olegario wins Australia Day Citizenship Award

Posted: January 29th, 2010

Filed under: ACCO, Pilbara, Staff

Congratulations to YMAC’s Business Development Officer, Cris Olegario in the South Hedland office, who on Tuesday 26 January, was presented with two awards in the Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Award.

Cris was awarded in two categories for his tireless work towards the Aboriginal Communities Charitable Organisation. 

The catergories were;
1) For an individual that is doing excellent services to the Indigenous community; and
2) For an organisation that is providing excellent services to the community.

YMAC’s Board of Directors, Management and staff congratulate Cris and thank him for his contribution to the Pilbara community.