2016

Nyangumarta Rangers on-Country Film

Posted: September 5th, 2016

Filed under: Indigenous Rangers, NWAC, Nyangumarta IPA, Nyangumarta Rangers

As part of their Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) project, Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation has produced a short film that illustrated the significant changes resulting from the funding received toward their IPA.

The short film revolved around the Nyangumarta Warrarn Ranger Camp 2016. The Rangers together with elders and Traditional Owners spent time on-Country and spoke about their connection to Country, their songlines and how they monitor the Kidson Track permit system.

FMG secondary school scholarships open for applications

Posted: August 4th, 2016

Filed under: Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), Indigenous Scholarships.

Applications are now open for a scholarship scheme targeting partner Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara and children of families working for Fortescue Metals Group.

The scheme is offering a spot at both Guildford Grammar School and Perth College in Perth. Successful applicants will have their tuition, boarding (if applicable) and other incidentals paid for them as they attend their studies.

Kariyarra, Palyku, Nyiyaparli, Banjima, Eastern Guruma, Puutu Kunti Kurrama & Pinikura (PKKP), Njamal, and Yindijibarndi families are eligible to apply for the program. Submissions must be received no later than 1 September 2016.

Application forms and more information can be found on the Fortescue website here.

Details for 2 August Wilunyu Claim Group meeting

Posted: August 1st, 2016

Filed under: Claim Group Meeting, Wilunyu

• Please note: The Wilunyu Claim Group (WAD6002/2004) Authorisation meeting will be going ahead on Tuesday, 2 August 2016.

Registration: 7.00am to 9.00am

Please note that no Travel Allowance will be processed after close of registration.

Meeting start: 9.00am

Meeting close: by 4:30 pm

Venue: Towns Football Club, Corner of Eighth Street & Flores Road, Geraldton

Purposes:

• Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (“YMAC”) to provide advice about the WAD6002/2004 native title claim, which will be called the Wilunyu claim and will be brought on behalf of the descendents of the apical ancestors listed below.
• Decision by the Wilunyu claim group to approve this claim group description. Celebration and mutual recognition by Wilunyu claim group members.
• Authorisation of a replacement applicant under section 66B of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) to make the Wilunyu claim (WAD6002/2004) in the Federal Court on behalf the Wilunyu claim group.
• Election of the Wilunyu Working Group.
• General business.

Who is invited to attend:

You are eligible to attend this Wilunyu claim group meeting if you are a descendant of any of the following apical ancestors:

• Rosie Coleman
• Wyoo and Myonoda
• Annie Tira
• Lizzy Flynn
• Sarah Jane Campbell
• Sarah Mabel Bell
• Ap-barra (Upparawa) and Dharringa
• Jane Hunt
• Mary Gingina
• Billy and Judy Thompson

Better access to Karijini

Posted: July 22nd, 2016

As part of the Pilbara Regional Investment Blueprint, new walking trails and viewing platforms have improved access for visitors to Karijini National Park.

The trails will provide safer access to Fortesque Falls and Fern Pool. The project was a joint effort between the Pilbara Development Commission and the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW).

You can learn more about the sites at DPaW’s web page here.

First edition of Nyangumarta News now available!

Posted: July 19th, 2016

Following the formal dedication of the Nyangumarta Indigenous Protected Area in 2015, the Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) and the Nyangumarta Rangers have published the first issue of their community newsletter.

Meant to help inform Nyangumarta Traditional Owners and promote the work of the Rangers, Nyangumarta News will publish at least two newsletters a year. NWAC also hopes that the newsletter will be a point of pride for the Rangers, who work so hard to keep the Nyangumarta connection to Country strong.

Through ranger programs, elders pass on their knowledge to the younger generations, and give Rangers important cultural responsibilities like protecting culturally significant places, managing on-Country resources and educating young people.

Though the newsletter will focus on stories about the Rangers and their activities on-Country, NWAC welcomes stories from local readers. You can contact Todd Norwell, Ranger Coordinator at tnorwell@ymac.org.au if you have anything to submit.

You can read the first edition of Nyangumarta News here.

NAIDOC celebrations across WA

Posted: July 4th, 2016

Filed under: Gascoyne, NAIDOC, Perth, Pilbara, WA, Yamatji

To celebrate NAIDOC Week this year, towns across Western Australia are collaborating with local and national Aboriginal organisations to plan cultural events and activities for their communities.

Working with the Yinhawangka People, the town of Paraburdoo is planning a series of events beginning on 2 July. These events include family friendly gatherings and demonstrations of traditional practices like boomerang throwing and damper-making competitions.

In Tom Price, there are plans for demonstrations of traditional dancing, painting and performances, live music, an outdoor film festival, and a Food Showcase.

In Perth, an afternoon of free family entertainment is being offered at the James Street Amphitheatre. Featuring performances by Jake and the Cowboys, the event is being presented by acclaimed Aboriginal dancer and digeridoo player Olman Walley. Guests can learn about Australia’s native bush plants and bush tucker by trying a variety of samples at market stalls. Those who cannot make it can tune into 100.9 FM for a live broadcast on Noongar Radio.

For more information about the events in Paraburdoo and Tom Price, visit the Shire of Ashburton’s website here, and for information about how NAIDOC Week is being celebrated across WA visit the official NAIDOC week website here.

Remembering Eddie Mabo

Posted: June 29th, 2016

Filed under: Australia, Eddie Mabo, native title

Today we remember Eddie Mabo’s birthday, he would have been 80 years old. Eddie Mabo was born on the island of Mer in the Torres Strait, he was the key plaintiff seeking legal claim for ownership of lands on the island of Mer. This was the foundation of Native Title Claim. The high court decided in his favour and upheld the claim 10 years later in 1992.

From this landmark decision, the Government passed Native Title legislation in 1993 and the National Native Title Tribunal was established under this.

To commemorate Mr Mabo’s birthday, Google changed its front page to his likeness. You can see it here.

YMAC News issue 30

Posted: June 17th, 2016

Filed under: 1946 Pilbara Strike, Aboriginal Rangers, Kalbarri National Park, Knowledge Partnerships, Nyangumarta IPA, YMAC, YMAC News

The latest issue of YMAC News is now available.

In this issue, we are excited to introduce a new project between the Nanda people, Knowledge Partnerships and the Department of Parks and Wildlife to install interpretive signage throughout Kalbarri National Park.

Also in this issue we remember the 1946 Pilbara Strike, the longest strike in Australian history. We’re also excited to share photographs and updates about the Nyangumarta Rangers and what they are doing for their Country, and we celebrate the training and development successes of young Aboriginal men at the Clontarf Academy in Carnarvon.

To request a hard copy or to give us any feedback, email editor@ymac.org.au.

Pilbara Traditional Owners Contribute to World-Class Diversity Study

Posted: June 13th, 2016

Filed under: Biodiversity, DPAW, Pilbara, Pilbara Traditional Owners

A world-class biodiversity project directed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) has collected and documented samples from 1000 different sites across the Pilbara.

DPaW says the project would have been impossible without the contributions and support from Pilbara Traditional Owners.

The samples were collected between 2002 and 2006, and after a decade of research and cataloguing, DPaW says the results represent the most comprehensive survey of the area ever done.

The project results will be freely available and will inform future land use planning, help to evaluate the Pilbara’s natural parks and nature reserves, and to provide input into environmental impact assessments associated with resource development.

You can read the full story here, and view DPaW’s website here.