Country, Culture, People, Future

September 2011

NNTT finds Wajarri heritage is more important than money

Posted: September 27th, 2011

Filed under: , , , , , ,

Traditional owner Colin Hamlett in the Weld Range

The National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) has recently made a very important decision for the Wajarri Yamatji people. The NNTT ruled that four mining tenements in the Weld Range cannot be granted because of the cultural significance of the area to the Wajarri Yamatji people.

This is only the second time that the NNTT has ever made such a decision, and it comes after parts of the Weld Range were accepted on to the National Heritage List earlier this year.

Weld Range Metals, the company that wished to mine the area, has been reluctant to meet with the Wajarri Yamatji people and did not come to agreement over the proposed mining project.
Deputy President Sumner of the NNTT came to the conclusion that, “the interests, proposals, opinions or wishes of the [Wajarri Yamatji people] in relation to the use of the Tenement area should be given greater weight than the potential economic benefit or public interest in the Project proceeding. The Weld Range area (including the Tenement area) is of such significance to the [Wajarri Yamatji people] in accordance with their traditions that mining on it should only be permitted with their agreement.”

The NNTT’s decision was reached after an on-country hearing earlier this year which included visits to important places in the Weld Range. The Wajarri Yamatji people and YMAC staff gave evidence about “caves with rock art, waterholes and old corroboree and ceremonial grounds, all of which remain of particular significance to the [Wajarri Yamatji people] in accordance with their traditions.”

This is a fantastic result for the Wajarri Yamatji people and YMAC congratulates them for their strength in fighting to protect their cultural heritage.

Watch GWN’s coverage of the story here: http://au.gwn7.yahoo.com/w1/video/-/watch/26753825/native-title-tribunal-vetoes-mine/ 

Aboriginal theatre company is coming to the Pilbara

Posted: September 19th, 2011

Filed under: , , , , ,

 

Good Lovin’ cast members Alyssa Thompson,
Zac James, Shakira Clanton and Ian Wilkes.
Photo courtesy of Yirra Yaakin
Perth-based Indigenous theatre company Yirra Yaakin is coming to the Pilbara this week to present Good Lovin’, an original commission by the WA Health Department, written by Palyku playwright David Milroy.
The play will be presented for free to schools and communities in the Pilbara region from 20-23 September 2011.
David Milroy is an award-winning playwright (Waltzing the Wilarra, Windmill Baby), and has written Good Lovin’ to promote positive lifestyle choices.
The Good Lovin’ performance will be followed by a theatre and health workshop to encourage and support young people to make choices about what’s right for them by using hip hop and humour.
The performance and workshop program of Good Lovin’ will visit schools and local communities in Karratha on 20 September, Roebourne on 22 September, and Onslow on 23 September.
For more information visit http://www.yirrayaakin.com.au/

YMAC News issue 15 is here

Posted: September 15th, 2011

Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

YMAC is pleased to share the latest issue of YMAC News, which is now available It is filled with information about the great work being done by traditional owners and YMAC staff across the two YMAC regions.

Issue 15 of our newsletter highlights native title agreements for the Kariyarra and Gnulli people, a major step forward for the Bunjima people, some impressive achievements by YMAC staff and our organisation’s firm resolve on the issue of constitutional recognition for Australia’s original inhabitants.

We hope you enjoy the 15th issue of YMAC News.

Click here to download an electronic version  or email srosenfeld@ymac.org.au to request hard copies for yourself, your family, your business or workplace.






Welcome to Country artwork will greet visitors to WA’s new hospital

Posted: September 14th, 2011

Filed under: ,

 

Artists Wendy Hayden and Deborah Bonar

YMAC is pleased to learn that huge pieces of Aboriginal artwork have been comissioned for the new Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth. Aboriginal artists Ella Taylor (Kidja Heritage), Wendy Hayden (Nyoongar Heritage) and Deborah Bonar (Gija and Yamatji) have developed the sixteen metres of artwork on glass and a huge canvas in colaboration with the owner of the Kidogo Institute of Art, Joanna Robertson.

The artwork features representations of each of the five main regions of WA. “We wanted Aboriginal patients and visitors from anywhere in Australia to feel more comfortable when they come to the hospital,” explained Deborah Bonar.

“We felt as soon as they see the grasses and recognise the Aboriginal style of artwork, their first impression will be that they are in a place with familiar elements, in a place sympathetic to Aboriginal people, that respects Aboriginal values and connection to country and in turn will make them more comfortable and feel welcomed.”

Ms. Bonar has also been selected by the Revealed ArtWorker Program as one of three artists who will curate the art exhibition during CHOGM.

The Fiona Stanley Hospital is due to open in 2014, and the Welcome to Country artwork will acknowledge the Traditional Owners and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of WA’s Indigenous people.

Nyaparu Rose features in North West Telegraph

Posted: September 8th, 2011

Filed under: ,

This week, Nyaparu Rose featured in the North West Telegraph and The West online where she discussed her recent State Land Care Award for the Pilbara Sea Country Project and her plans for Nyangumarta self determination.

To view the article, click here or open attached PDF;

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/pilbara/a/-/news/10208628/rose-wins-care-award/

New Perth mailing address

Posted: September 5th, 2011

Filed under:

Please note that effective immediately, the new mailing address for YMAC’s Perth office is:
PO Box 3072, 249 Hay Street
East Perth WA 6892
Our street address remains the same. Please update your records accordingly.

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.

This will close in 15 seconds