May 2015

New publication for Traditional Owners on shale gas

Posted: May 25th, 2015

Filed under: fracking, Publication, shale gas

Western Australia potentially has huge resources of shale gas in the East Pilbara, Mid West and Kimberley regions. The amount of shale gas in WA is estimated to be double the amount of gas held in WA’s offshore conventional gas fields, and the Department of Mines and Petroleum estimates that significant commercial production of shale gas might start around 2020 or 2025.

It is important that Traditional Owners understand what this might mean for their Country, and know the potential risks and benefits. To assist in this learning process YMAC held a series of workshops in the regions in 2014 and have now launched a new guide to shale gas for Traditional Owners.

Click here to download your pdf or call your local YMAC office or email editor@ymac.org.au to request a free hard copy.

Oral history in Geraldton

Posted: May 19th, 2015

Filed under: Aboriginal oral history, Charmaine Green, City of Greater Geraldton, Geraldton Regional Library, Graham Taylor, Joan Gray, National Reconciliation Week, Radio MAMA, Wajarri language

This National Reconciliation Week, Radio Mama will broadcast live from Geraldton Regional Library’s Aboriginal Oral History Morning on the 3^rd of June. Embrace this opportunity to learn about local history and culture as local residents Graham Taylor, Charmaine Green and Joan Gray share their stories. You will hear about their respective experiences as a Vietnam veteran, a local artist and the daughter of a prominent author.

The event will run from 10am to 11:30 am and morning tea will be provided. To RSVP call 9956 6659 or email library@cgg.wa.gov.au. Also be sure to check out the Wajarri storytime at the library on May 28 and 29 from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June. To find out more about what’s happening near you visit reconciliation.org.au/nrw/

Aboriginal language initiatives

Posted: May 15th, 2015

Filed under: Bundiyarra Irra Wanga language program, Geraldton, Janelle Mowarin, language, Nanda, Ngarluma, Nyangumarta, Port Hedland, Roebourne, Tyson Mowarin, Wangka Maya, Weerianna Street Media

There are positive initiatives across Western Australia committed to preserving traditional languages.

Nyangumarta speakers in Hedland recently underwent training to become qualified interpreters for hospitals and courts. The training facilitated by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters is hoped to increase access to services for Aboriginal people.

Weerianna Street Media in collaboration with linguist Janelle Mowarin and the Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre have created language videos for schools and other resources to complement a Ngarluma online dictionary. The Wangka Maya dictionary and Ngarluma Language Resource are available online here.

Geraldton’s Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre recently launched a Nhanda alphabet poster along with other educational posters which promote the Nhanda language. Anyone interested in contributing to the Nhanda dictionary project may call Ms Sitorus at the Bundiyarra-Irra Wangga Language Centre on 9920 7900.

Get ready for National Reconciliation Week

Posted: May 8th, 2015

Filed under: National Reconciliation Week, Reconciliation Australia

National Reconciliation Week 2015 is coming up so now is the time to register your event and find out what is happening near you. Visit the Reconciliation Australia website to learn more.