Second Native Title Win for Gooniyandi People

KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL

No. 4 DEC 2016

• GETTING BACK COUNTRY • CARING FOR COUNTRY • SECURING THE FUTURE

PO Box 2145 | Broome WA 6725 | Ph: (08) 9194 0100 | Fax: (08) 9193 6279 | www.klc.org.au 2016 AGM

STRENGTH SHOWN AT JOINT AGMs FULL STORY PAGE 14

Second native title win for Gooniyandi people

The Gooniyandi people have been recognised as the native title holders of a further 184 square kilometres of their country in the central Kimberley.

Made over part of the Yarrangi Riwi Yoowarni Gooniyandi native title claim, the consent determination was handed down by Justice Barker of the Federal Court of Australia in Perth on 25 October 2016.

The ruling comes after native title was first recognised for the Gooniyandi people, people of the Fitzroy River, in 2013 over 1.12 million hectares of land and water. Continued on page 4. Referendum Council to visit Broome

The Kimberley Land Council discussion about Aboriginal and The 1967 referendum was hugely together with the Referendum Torres Strait Islander people successful, with more than 90 per Council will host one of 12 being included in the Constitution cent of Australians voting ‘yes’ to meetings about the Constitution – Australia’s rule book. delete two racially discriminatory that will be held across the nation references in the Constitution. over the coming months. “The Constitution needs to adequately incorporate key A new referendum will start Scheduled for February next considerations for Indigenous a process to reform the year, the Broome meeting will people,” Mr Hunter said. Constitution. invite 100 Indigenous participants from across northern Western “The Constitution has not been A successful referendum is a Australia to discuss changing the updated to reflect Indigenous starting point, but will not fix Australian Constitution. Australians in modern Australian everything. Other changes in society. the form of legislation, policies, The Referendum Council consists “It is outdated and needs reform institutions and governments will of 16 Indigenous and non- to reflect present day first need to occur, but this is a step in Indigenous members appointed Australians.” the right direction. by the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition. In 1967, a referendum – a national For more information about the vote – was held to ensure that the Referendum Council please visit KLC Chief Executive Officer first Australians were recognsied www.referendumcouncil.org.au Nolan Hunter said the meetings equally as citizens under section will form part of the national 127 of the Constitution. Looking 2010 - 5 YEARS AGO back on KLC Co-Chairs invited to meet the Queen the KLC KLC Co-Chairs Tom Birch and Frank Davey travelled to Perth to meet the Queen at a State Reception Garden Party.

More than 1,800 people attended the October 27 event as part of the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

“Very few people get the experience to come so close to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, so it was a unique opportunity for the KLC to represent all Kimberley Aboriginal people,” Co-Chair Tom Birch said.

“Although I didn’t get to meet the Queen there were a number of politicians, celebrities and business leaders we got to speak with and inform and the Kimberley and the work the KLC is doing.”

2 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL ChairmanMessage from the

We’ve reached the end of another year and it has In other news, the KLC has been playing a lead role certainly been a busy and fulfilling 12 months. in advocating for Indigenous people internationally, with KLC CEO Nolan Hunter recently returning from Most recently we have welcomed a new Kimberley COP 22 in Marrakech, Morocco. Land Council Board, saying goodbye to some previous directors, who I thank for their hard work, The trip was an important opportunity to share and welcoming some fresh new faces. knowledge about Indigenous fire management and lobby the Australian Government to further support It is particularly pleasing to see a number of Indigenous knowledge projects. female leaders elected to the board, bringing a strong female voice to the table, as well as new and We have also continued to work closely on varied perspectives about Kimberley Land Council Empowered Communities with Aarnja. Empowered business. Communities is about Indigenous people taking greater responsibility, and developing and leading Native title remains the core business of the KLC their own plans for change. and while it is exciting that 80 per cent of the Kimberley is now native title determined, there is While much has been achieved in 2016, it is still much to do. disappointing that Kimberley Aboriginal people have been left in the dark about the State Government’s The KLC has been working hard to drive a number proposed roadmap for regional services reform. We of claims and trials throughout 2016 as well as still do not know how any reform will be resourced Looking provide support to PBCs across the Kimberley. Most given the State Government’s budget position. recently the Bindunbur trial continued with another week of hearings held in Broome from 28 November Kimberley Land Council members can be assured back on to 2 December, while we continue to make progress that the KLC will continue to fight for Kimberley on the Jaru/Kija native title claim. Aboriginal people. This means advocating for our the KLC communities, speaking out against land reform that It was particularly exciting to see Gooniyandi mob is not in the interests of Traditional Owners and achieve a consent determination over another piece the extinguishment of native title, and standing up of their land in October. Handed down in Perth, the to a State Government that attempts to undermine determination is significant because it makes clear Aboriginal people’s native title rights. that Gooniyandi native title holders can use their native title rights to gain real economic benefits, As Chairman I look forward to working with my as well as social and cultural advantages for their fellow directors to progress the work of the KLC and community. deliver outcomes for the Kimberley mob.

Traditional Owners have also united to issue a

Fitzroy River Declaration aimed at protecting the river and its tributaries. The declaration sends a strong message to governments and organisations that Kimberley Aboriginal people and native title rights are central to managing the Fitzroy River catchment. ANTHONY WATSON

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 3 Second native title win for Gooniyandi people

The Gooniyandi people have been recognised as Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer the native title holders of a further 184 square Nolan Hunter said this latest recognition of native kilometres of their country in the central Kimberley. title is important because it provides greater certainty about the rights of Gooniyandi people on Made over part of the Yarrangi Riwi Yoowarni their country, in line with developments in the law. Gooniyandi native title claim, the consent determination was handed down by Justice Barker “In the past, native title rights have been viewed by of the Federal Court of Australia in Perth on 25 some as little more than symbolic, giving Aboriginal October 2016. people limited powers about what happens on country,” Mr Hunter said. The ruling comes after native title was first recognised for the Gooniyandi people, people of the “Today’s ruling is significant as it makes it clear that Fitzroy River, in 2013 over 1.12 million hectares of Gooniyandi native title holders can use their native land and water. title rights to gain real economic, as well as social and cultural benefits for their community. The native title determination covers a portion of pastoral station Fossil Downs and recognises the “However, we still have a long way to go before non-exclusive native title rights and interests of the native title rights are properly acknowledged by Gooniyandi people. government as being equal to the property rights of other Australians, particularly here in Western Gooniyandi Traditional Owner June Davis said the Australia. determination reflected her people’s deep and intrinsic connection to country. “I call on all Australians to stand together to truly recognise the rights of our nation’s first people to “We are very happy about the native title strengthen, rather than weaken, native title rights in determination. It is important because it recognises the future.” that we belong to this land,” she said. The Kimberley Land Council is continuing to work “Native title means that we can continue to pass on with people of the central Kimberley to progress our culture to our younger generations. We can be the remaining portion of the Yarrangi Riwi Yoowarni out on country and keep telling the stories of our Gooniyandi native title claim. people.”

4 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Research An enormous amount of Determination that was made on information was gathered, much 19 June 2013. continues for of which was presented to the current claim group at the last The north-west portion of YRYG Part A YRYG meeting in July 2016, with the Yarrangi Riwi Yoowarni the meeting giving Dr Lynes their Gooniyandi claim was Claim approval on the accuracy of her recently resolved by a consent research to date. determination in October 2016, During the second half of July, known as the Yarrangi Riwi anthropologist Dr Heather Since then, Dr Lynes has been Yoowarni Gooniyandi Part B Lynes accompanied many writing up the connection report Determination. of the Traditional Owners of for this area, with plans to visit the Yarrangi Riwi Yoowarni claimants again as soon as Dr Lynes’ research will play a Gooniyand (YRYG) i Part A Claim possible after the wet season. key role in the progression of the Area on a field-trip covering the remaining part of the YRYG Part north-west portion of the claim, The YRYG claim was lodged in A Claim. as well as two days of helicopter 2012 and covers two areas of trips to various places in the country to the north-west and claim area. north-east of the Gooniyandi

native title determination, which Once the Court makes orders for TAC holds was handed down by the Federal this nomination, the Kurungal Court near Ngumpan on 1 native title determination can first directors’ December 2015. take effect. meeting Following the meeting on 17 Tiyatiya Aboriginal Corporation November 2016, the KLC will Congratulations Tiyatiya held its first directors’ meeting file documents with the Federal members and directors, and and General Meeting at Court of Australia nominating Kurungal native title holders! Ngumpan on 17 November 2016. Tiyatiya Aboriginal Corporation Tiyatiya will be the prescribed as the Kurungal Prescribed Body body corporate for the Kurungal Corporate.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 5 East Kimberley claims update

The Malarngowem, Yurriyangem Taam and for country had been identified from the research, Ngarrawanji claims are being progressed as a and to make sure the way the claims are described priority by the KLC. These three claims cover a very (traditional country and families) are correct. large area of country in the East Kimberley which is mostly country for people who identify as Kija, KLC CEO Nolan Hunter, Deputy CEO Tyronne as well as some Jaru, Ngarinyin and Gooniyandi Garstone, and Chairman Anthony Watson also country around the edge of the claims. attended the Halls Creek meeting so that any questions about the native title process could be In April this year Dr Tony Redmond completed answered at the highest level by the KLC. Both his research for the claims, and in May the KLC meetings were very well attended. provided Dr Redmond’s 1000 page “Connection Report” to the State Government for assessment. The Malarngowem, Yurriyangem Taam, Ngarrawanji, Purnululu, Jaru and Koongie Elvire claims are all The Jaru, Koongie Elvire, and Purnululu claims being looked at together by the State Government. are now a focus for research with claimants. Dr This means that the next big step in the native title Redmond is currently working on researching and process, mediation with the State Government, will writing the Jaru and Koongie Elvire Connection not move forward until the Jaru and Koongie Elvire Reports, and Catherine Wholan is working with connection reports are provided to the State early Purnululu claimants to write their report. 2017, and the State completes its review of those reports in late 2017 or early 2018. Jaru fieldwork was undertaken with key families and claimants over three separate trips in June, The next step after that is for the state to tell the July and August 2016, and Purnululu fieldwork was native title claimants if it accepts connection and undertaken in July, August and September 2016. agrees that the claim groups are the right people to make the native title claims over that country. All the field work trips in the dry season were very successful and have assisted greatly to get the right If the State does accept connection, then the KLC stories and families for country, and bring together will start to negotiate a consent determinations the information needed for connection reports to go of native title. There will be more meetings with to the State Government. the native title claim groups for Malarngowem, Yurriyangem Taam, Ngarrawanji, Purnululu, Jaru In October a two-day Jaru and Koongie Elvire and Koongie Elvire when this happens. meeting was held in Halls Creek, and a one day meeting was held in Ringer Soak. The meetings Plans for a Halls Creek claim are currently on hold were held so that Dr Tony Redmond and the KLC while resources are put towards moving the big East could check with claimants that the right families Kimberley claims through the native title process.

6 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL In memory

In 2016, it was with great sadness that we lost a truly unique and extraordinary person.

Tony Fitzgerald worked with the KLC for nearly eight years. Most of Tony’s time was spent working with Traditional Owners across the East Kimberley, working closely with Balanggarra, Kija, Jaru and Tjurabalan Native Title groups.

His passion and commitment to equality and justice for was inspiring.

In his memory, the Kimberley Land Council is exploring opportunities to establish a scholarship fund to support staff who show dedication, commitment and leadership qualities to attain a formal leadership qualification.

Mr Fitzgerald was greatly respected by his colleagues and the Traditional Owners who he worked so passionately to support.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 7 Native title at heart of Fitzroy River Declaration The Fitzroy River Declaration divided when it comes to the Mr Garstone said the KLC released by Kimberley Traditional interests of the Fitzroy River,” Mr respects the independence of Owners highlights the central Garstone said. each Traditional Owner group role of native title holders and along the Fitzroy River to make claimants in decision-making “Traditional Owners want to see their own informed decisions about land management and stronger protection for the Fitzroy regarding development as well as appropriate development. River and are more determined how they may work together to than ever to work together to manage and care for the river. Kimberley Land Council Deputy achieve this outcome. Chief Executive Officer Tyronne “It is pleasing to see so many Garstone said the declaration “The KLC will continue to support people keen to work together to sends a clear message that Traditional Owners to realise the make decisions to ensure this Traditional Owners and their full potential of their native title iconic river system is managed native title rights are key to rights and ensure that their voices sustainably into the future.” the future development of the are heard in decision making Kimberley, and that the traditional processes. and environmental values of the Fitzroy River recognised in the “Recognition of native title rights West Kimberley National Heritage and the role of Traditional Owners Listing must not be overlooked. is fundamental to managing increasing development “Kimberley Aboriginal people pressures in the Kimberley, have made a strong statement particularly along the Fitzroy that they will not be ignored or catchment.”

8 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Traditional Owners of the Fitzroy catchment Native title at heart of agree to work together to:

1. Action a process for joint PBC decision making on activities in the Fitzroy catchment; Fitzroy River Declaration Traditional Owners from the Fitzroy River 2. Reach a joint position on fracking in the Fitzroy catchment area met on the 2nd and 3rd of catchment; November 2016 in Fitzroy Crossing. 3. Create a buffer zone for no mining, oil, gas, irrigation and dams in the Fitzroy catchment; Participants from that meeting developed the 4. Develop and agree a Management Plan for the below statement: entire Fitzroy Catchment, based on traditional and environmental values; Fitzroy River Declaration 5. Develop a Fitzroy River Management Body for the Fitzroy Catchment, founded on cultural Traditional Owners of the Kimberley region of governance; Western Australia are concerned by the extensive 6. Complement these with a joint Indigenous development proposals facing the Fitzroy Protected Area over the Fitzroy River; River and its catchment and the potential for 7. Engage with shire and state government to cumulative impacts on its unique cultural and communicate concerns and ensure they follow environmental values. the agreed joint process; 8. Investigate legal options to support the above, The unique cultural and environmental values of including: the Fitzroy River and its catchment are of national 1) Strengthen protections under the EPBC and international significance. The Fitzroy River Act National Heritage Listing; is a living ancestral being and has a right to life. 2) Strengthen protections under the Aboriginal Heritage Act; and It must be protected for current and future 3) Legislation to protect the Fitzroy generations, and managed jointly by the catchment and its unique cultural and Traditional Owners of the river. natural values.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 9 From Marrakech to the world – Kimberley fire management

Valuing Indigenous knowledge, sharing experiences He said it was clear from attending the Marrakech and lobbying government and business to support event that Kimberley fire management is considered traditional fire management projects formed “world class”. the basis of the recent Kimberley Land Council delegation to COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco. “The partnerships between Indigenous people, government and business, the investments and COP22 is one of the most important global meetings technologies behind them are all ground breaking,” to address climate change, bringing together he said. leaders from across the world and Australia, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop “There are many Indigenous people across the world and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg. who want to visit the Kimberley to learn more about carbon abatement projects and who look to us as Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer leaders in this industry. Nolan Hunter said the event was an important opportunity to exchange ideas and create “The science is clear – the world must start taking momentum for greater support of Indigenous action on climate change and that is exactly what knowledge, including traditional fire management Traditional Owners are doing right across northern that generates carbon credits. Australia.”

“Kimberley Aboriginal people are leading the way A symbolic sign of the increasing recognition of when it comes to Indigenous fire management and Indigenous people was the invitation to Indigenous carbon abatement,” Mr Hunter said. groups to make a statement at the closing session of the COP where they underscored their crucial role “The KLC is now looking at ways to scale up fire in finding climate change solutions. management projects and enable more Traditional Owners to become involved in carbon markets. Other outcomes of COP22 included a commitment to deliver a new Indigenous People’s Platform for “These projects present a win-win opportunity for sharing best practice and promoting the interests Kimberley Aboriginal people – a sustainable means and engagement of Indigenous People. of looking after their country and cultural values, and real progress towards improving livelihoods The Australian Government also announced it had from native title property rights.” ratified the Paris Agreement shortly before the COP22. Mr Hunter said the KLC was invited to make five presentations about their work throughout COP22.

10 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL KLC supports new carbon projects

The Kimberley Land Council is supporting native title groups to expand existing projects or initiate new carbon projects, thanks to investment from a private donor, The Nature Conservancy and other funding sources.

Recent changes mean that Traditional Owners in the central Kimberley, above the 600mm rainfall line, are now able to register savanna burning carbon projects. The KLC is currently working with Balanggarra, Wilinggin, Nyaliga and Kija Traditional Owners to explore these new opportunities.

Research is also currently underway to ensure that unique Kimberley vegetation types (pindan woodland and grasslands) are properly included in the method. This will ensure Traditional Owners on the Dampier Peninsula and Fitzroy Valley are able to fully benefit from carbon projects. There is no research on pindan vegetation in relation to carbon abatement, meaning these groups are currently unable to participate in carbon projects.

Expansion of these new and existing projects follows on from the groundbreaking North Kimberley Fire Abatement Project.

In early 2014, native title groups Dambimangari, Wilinggin, Uunguu and Balanggarra became the first Indigenous groups in Australia to register carbon businesses across their exclusive possession native title lands, signalling a new era for income generation in remote communities.

For more information about carbon projects and traditional fire management, please call KLC Fire and Carbon Outreach Officer Catriona Webster on 9194 0112.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 11 Ranger expertise crititcal in Kimberley fire fight

Aboriginal rangers from the management which proved managing risks from wildfires in Kimberley Ranger Network have pivotal in bringing the latest the future.” proven vital in the fight against wildfire under control, with fire a wildfire which burnt across an breaks created earlier in the Traditional fire management area more than twice the size of year helping to halt the blaze at early in the dry season is Sydney in October 2016. critical points. invaluable in the Kimberley and without it the region would be at More than 60 rangers and Kimberley Land Council Deputy serious risk of many destructive Kimberley Land Council staff Chief Executive Officer Tyronne wildfires, with untold impacts on were involved in bringing the Garstone said rangers work country, habitat, infrastructure month-long blaze in the Central closely with stakeholders and lives. Kimberley under control, leading across the Kimberley to conduct logistics, creating fire breaks traditional fire management This latest incident highlights and managing spot fires. early in the year which reduces how Aboriginal rangers the risk of late season wildfire are working together with Fire management is an across the Kimberley. government and non- important part of the landscape government agencies to manage scale land management “KLC rangers play an integral wildfire threats that not only program conducted by the 13 role in the lead up to the bushfire require manpower on the ranger groups that make up the season, undertaking traditional ground, but expert knowledge of Kimberley Ranger Network. fire management to reduce the country and fire skills. risk of out of control fires,” he The rangers are highly skilled in said. fire operations and are regularly requested by pastoralists, “By conducting low-intensity, government and non- early dry season fires KLC government agencies to assist in rangers create fire breaks and managing the risk of wildfire reduce fuel loads across the landscape, significantly reducing This occurs mainly in the form the risk of fire. of traditional fire management, which is a type of low-intensity, “Ensuring ongoing and early dry season burning that increased support for creates fire breaks and reduces organisations, such as the KLC fuel loads across the landscape. rangers, to undertake strategic It was this traditional fire fire management is critical to

12 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL Standing up for traditional burning practices

The KLC will continue to challenge the Western non-government agencies, as well as pastoralists Australian Government over its attempts to limit on the ground to prevent and fight fire, and it is traditional burning practices on native title land. disappointing that this is not reflected at a higher level. KLC Chief Executive Officer Nolan Hunter said despite national and international recognition of “We are recognised nationally and internationally for traditional burning methods, the State Government our best practice and the potential these methods is continuing to weaken Aboriginal people’s rights to have to reduce carbon emission across the world. conduct this type of work in Western Australia. “Traditional fire management is one of the best “Currently, the State Government is attempting to examples of Indigenous-led conservation and should force Kimberley native title holders to enter into be supported at a state level as it is on a national onerous legal contracts to conduct traditional fire level. management – something that is not required of other landowners,” Mr Hunter said. “This is the message that we want to share with the world, so that more people can benefit from “This is restrictive, increases red tape and is traditional fire management, improving the lives of something that fundamentally Traditional Owners – Indigenous and non-Indigenous people for years to who have exclusive possession native title – should come.” not need to do. “We work collaboratively with government and

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 13 Strength shown at joint AGMs The unity of Kimberley Aboriginal people was on the previous financial year,” Mr Watson said. show for all to see at the AGMs of the Kimberley Land Council, KALACC, KLRC and Aarnja. “As Chairperson of the KLC, I reported on a number of our organisation’s successes, as well as the Hundreds of people travelled from across the challenges we have faced and continue to face, region, Western Australia and interstate to attend including the State Government’s ‘roadmap’ for the combined AGMs held at Warmun Community regional and remote communities. from September 20 to 22. “It was evident throughout the three-day meeting Important business was conducted throughout the that members hold significant concerns about three-day event, including elections for KLC, KLRC this plan for service delivery and there is great and Aarnja. uncertainty about the future of many Kimberley Aboriginal communities.” Anthony Watson was re-elected to the position of KLC Chairman for a second two-year term, while The event also featured dancing and singing Merle Carter has been welcomed to the position performances facilitated by KALACC, as well as of Deputy Chairperson, taking over from outgoing information stalls about various projects and Deputy Chair Bonnie Edwards. services, including the Fitzroy River project, health checks and the Paraku seasonal calendar. The new Board has a strong female presence, with 17 of the director positions allocated to women so The joint AGMs of KLC, KALACC, KLRC and Aarnja far. occur every September in a different part of the Kimberley. For a full list of KLC directors and Mr Watson said the joint AGMs were an important special advisers, please refer to the inside back opportunity to talk about the work of the region’s page of this newsletter. peak Aboriginal organisations.

“The AGMs highlight our transparency and allow us to update our members about the wide range of work the organisations have conducted throughout

14 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 15 AGM 2016

16 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 17 Karajarri permit system in action

Visitors to Karajarri country are now purchasing to the beautiful and relatively unknown areas of permits to access the area, with funds from the Mirtanymartaji (Gourdon Bay) and Purnturrpurnturr permit system helping to support ranger and IPA (Port Smith). work. “The permit system is enabling Karajarri rangers to Karajarri country ranges from the pearl coast of the better manage tourism in the area and is helping us Indian Ocean, encapsulating pristine blue waters, to improve facilities for tourists who want to explore unspoilt sandy beaches, tidal creeks and dynamic this beautiful country,” Mr Edgar said. reef systems along the iconic 80 Mile Beach, La Grange Bay and Gourdon Bay, and inland towards “The rangers have been working hard to install the vast arid country, wetlands and dunes of the shade shelters at our beaches, produce educational Great Sandy Desert. materials about this country, maintain roads and establish walking trails for the benefit of visitors. International experience The area is home to many rare and special animal species, such as the nationally endangered bilby, “Permits and the associated Karajarri IPA spectacled hare wallaby, dugongs, humpback guidebook are helping to provide employment for whales, flat back turtles, migratory birds and Aboriginal men and women to continue looking inspires Kimberley ranger reptiles. after their country and increase visitor amenities of the area.” Karajarri rangers look after the country and have been working hard to officially open up the area for Visitors can access a permit by visiting the purposes of public recreation, education and www.karajarriipa.com or in person at the Port Smith enjoyment. Caravan Park, which is working in partnership with the rangers. Karajarri Traditional Owner Mr Joe Edgar said the permit system provides visitors with access

18 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL International experience inspires Kimberley ranger

Attending the world’s largest environmental and Asked about his thoughts on climate change after nature conservation event in Hawaii has inspired the congress, Wynston said he sees it as “as a very Karajarri Ranger Wynston Shovellor to be a “leader big issue right now”. of tomorrow”. “I learnt about the challenges facing other nations Wynston was one of 14 young Indigenous people due to climate change and it was interesting to from across the Pacific invited to attend the compare those challenges to what we see here in International Union for Conservation of Nature the Kimberley,” he said. (IUCN) 2016 Congress in September as part of The Future Leaders of the Pacific program. “On Karajarri country we are definitely experiencing changes. We are seeing salmon in the waters down The event brought together young people from south much earlier in the year than ever before and many different backgrounds, all with a passion for we are seeing big changes in when our local fruit, combating climate change, preserving oceans and gubinje, are ready to eat. environmental protection. “But I am still definitely hopeful for the future and “I was so excited when I first found out that I events like this show that young people can really was selected to represent not only Australia but make a difference.” my people, and to be involved in such a great experience,” Wynston said. During the trip Wynston visited two Hawaiian national parks, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, the “I had the privilege of meeting many passionate, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii, as well as the intelligent young leaders who are all working to lead IUCN Expo and opening ceremony. their people and country. “Living in a remote community in Western Australia “Everyone who attended was able to tell their can sometimes be isolating, so opportunities like stories, share ideas and grow their international this show that there is more out there to explore relationships. and learn about wherever we are in the world,” he said. “It inspired me to want to be a leader so that I can strengthen my people and my community.”

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 19 Wilinggin back to country trip Mt Hart

More than 60 Traditional Owners gathered at “We were born from the dirt, born in the bush – not Walada (Mount Hart) to celebrate culture and in hospitals. So it makes me feel so happy on the language as part of the annual Wilinggin back to inside to be back on country with the trees and the country trip held in October. water.”

A moving welcome to country by Phillip (Cracker) Wilinggin Indigenous Protected Area Coordinator Duckhole kicked off the three-day event, providing Kat Mitchell said the week was a big success, with an important opportunity for Ngarinyin people excellent participation from both young and old to come together to connect with country, share Ngarinyin people from across the Kimberley. cultural knowledge and practice language. “It’s wonderful to see all generations of Ngarinyin Activities held throughout the week included people so engaged in learning from each other and Ngarinyin language practice, painting, seed connecting with country and culture,” she said. jewellery making, bush medicine, carving of hunting tools, junba (song and dance), totem “It’s also been great to see many different making, campfire storytelling and media skills. community organisations co-operating to support this trip, including Wilinggin Aboriginal Ngarinyin Elder Pansy Nulgit said the back to Corporation, Kimberley Land Council, Mowanjum country trip was a special experience for Ngarinyin Arts Centre, Derby Youth Centre and the Yiriman people, especially those who no longer have the Project. opportunity to spend much time on country because they live in larger towns. “Even a thunderstorm did nothing to dampen the spirits of everyone involved.” “Our hearts are open when we are on country,” Pansy said.

20 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL

Ngarinyin people keep language alive

On the banks of the Barker River at Walada (Mt Hart), elders, youth and rangers have come together to help save the Ngarinyin language.

Pansy Nulgit, Matthew Martin and Dorothy Chapman, together with Kimberley Linguist Tom Saunders, held sessions each morning throughout the Wilinggin back to the country trip to finalise the first ever Ngarinyin Healthy Country dictionary and phrasebook.

The language resources will be used by the Wunggurr rangers to expand their use of Ngarinyin words and phrases related to plants, animals, landscape, weather and seasons in their daily work.

The books will also be used as education tools to share this knowledge with the broader community.

Wungurr Ranger Robin Dann said a lot of traditional ecological knowledge is captured in the language Ngarinyin people use to interpret their environment.

He said capturing and passing on language is very important.

“A sad thing happened in Australia when Europeans came,” Robin said. “Most people learnt to speak English and a lot of the native tongue has been lost forever.

“This dictionary will help us to pass our language onto people coming through the ranger program, as well as our kids, and we hope it gets passed onto their kids and so on.”

Ngarinyin is known as an endangered language due to the few people who continue to speak the language fluently. It is expected the dictionary and phrasebook will be completed in early 2017.

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 21 Researching ancient art on Balanggarra country

Over a three month period from July to collected all the samples then separate them so September 2016 the Balanggarra Rangers they also find a lot of fruit seeds around the rock together with the University WA conducted art site where we had done our samples. a rock art survey on Balanggarra country. The trip was hugely successful, generating a We collect the samples to tell us how long our number of important research outcomes. art and culture have been around for. We send them off to the University to get tested and they The following extract was written by the tell us how long the sample has been around Balanggarra rangers and appeared in the for. They send us back the results and all of the November Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation samples and equipment that we sent so we can newsletter. go back to bury it back where we got it from like we were never there. Rangers travelled from bulldust yard to King George bka Oomari and to Oombulggarri. We This gives us the story about how long the drove out and then a chopper took us out to the painting has been on the wall for and how and rock art sights. We then walked another 2-3 where our ancestors have lived. It is good for miles (45mins to an hour) to get to the actual us to learn and teach more about cultures rock art spots. and art for our generation about how our old people used to live. And it is good to know how As soon as we get to the sights we do a smoking long the art has been around for. Some art has ceremony and then we go to the rock art. We been around for 25,000 years, BC bulldust yard pick a spot where we think that our old people is 85,000 years BC king George is 120,000 BC once were making a fire, where they were and Oombie was a meeting ground sho-ing keeping a fire place and cooking food and then ceremonies and meeting of peoples from the we collect samples from the fire place and from desert and people from right around the coast to the wall. trade which we can tell all from the art.

We can get the ochre from the wall off a specific So we thank the University of WA for coming to hill or from what has dropped on the ground. help us do the work. They will be coming back to do some more work on Balanggarra country We can also collect tools and coal from the in the next four years and we will be looking a ground that was left behind by my ancestors. We different site each time.

GG AN AR L R A A B

R A S N G E R

22 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL PBC Alliance gains support

Kimberley Traditional Owners have backed • Develop relationships and collaborations moves to establish a Kimberley PBC Alliance, between PBCs, the Kimberley Land Council aimed at building unity, collaboration and and other stakeholders; regional policy positions. • PBCs to develop regional policy positions to give political strength to PBCs and give a PBC Chairs and CEOs agreed to support the regional perspective through the Kimberley alliance, the first of its kind in the Kimberley, at Land Council; the recent Regional PBC Collaborative Forum • Define the parameters for how Kimberley held in Broome. PBCs and the Kimberley Land Council operate in native title; KLC Chief Executive Officer Nolan Hunter • Clarify what PBCs require from the Kimberley said the formation of the alliance highlights Land Council and how KLC represents and act unity among Traditional Owner groups and a on behalf of PBCs. willingness to work together to achieve common • Coordinated and centralised capacity goals. development and training for Kimberley PBCs;

“A PBC Alliance will enable Traditional Owners A second PBC collaborative forum will be held in to work collectively to use their native title rights early 2017. to support the interests of Aboriginal people and communities,” Mr Hunter said.

The PBC Alliance has been developed on the basis of a number of key principles, including:

• Shared information and experience; • Shared interest regarding development pressures and the need to be informed and engaged on common issues affecting PBCs; • Regional approach and collaboration;

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 23 Rangers rise to Smackdown challenge

Rangers from across the production and the coveted camp and training in conservation and Kimberley have gathered north of oven cook off, where rangers cook land management. Beagle Bay on Nyul Nyul country up their best camp oven meal. for the hugely anticipated 2016 Paruku Rangers Jamie Brown Smackdown challenge. Organised by the Kimberley Land and Karl Gordon said this year’s Council together with North Smackdown was a chance to The event brought together Regional TAFE (NRT), Smackdown develop skills, network and have more than 70 Kimberley Ranger has been running since 2011 as fun. Network rangers, some travelling a fun way to celebrate the hard as far as Kalumburu and Mulan work of rangers throughout the “Literacy and numeracy is a really community, to compete in the year, particularly in relation to big part of our job,” he said. “We name of literacy and numeracy. literacy and numeracy studies. use these skills all the time for recording data and all other types Rangers took part in a number of The event builds upon year of results.” challenges, including an Olympics round support from NRT, with with spear throwing, a safety relay ranger groups receiving targeted Karl likened the week to with rangers donning their fire language, numeracy and literacy “Survivor-style training” and said safety equipment, orienteering, support on projects directly meeting other rangers was a raft building, puzzles, video related to their ranger work plans highlight.

24 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL “It’s been good to see all different these skills, and our rangers are oven cook off challenge with their faces and get to know other very committed to this part of elicious kangaroo tail stew. people from other places,” he their professional development. said. The results were extremely close “North Regional TAFE plays a among all ranger groups and the According to KLC Deputy Chief critical role in delivering this KLC and North Regional TAFE Executive Officer Tyronne education, so that rangers can congratulate everyone involved in Garstone, Smackdown is a fun use literacy and numeracy skills this hugely successful event. event that has a serious purpose. to deliver programs on the ground to care for country.” “Numeracy and literacy skills are vital in the day to day work of The combined Bardi Jawi and rangers,” Mr Garstone said. Bardi Jawi Oorany ranger team was crowned the eventual winner “The ranger program helps of Smackdown 2016, followed by these men and women to build the Ngurrara rangers in second confidence and proficiency in place who also took out the camp

NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016 25 Oxfam report highlights Kimberley injustice

The Kimberley has been featured in a global report “The real issue we are facing is that state land pushing for the land rights of Indigenous peoples administration does not recognise native title,” Mr across the world. Hunter said.

The Custodians of the land, Defenders of our future “Indigenous people have looked after country for report highlights the struggle Kimberley Aboriginal thousands of years and we must be supported to do people currently face in Western Australian where this through Indigenous protected areas and sole State Government policy and action is actively Indigenous land management. seeking to weaken rights to native title. “With a State Election looming in March, now is the This includes the forced closure of remote time for politicians to listen to Indigenous voices to Aboriginal communities, which will disconnect strengthen and protect our right to manage native people from their land, the weakening of laws that title once and for all.” protect sacred cultural sites, the undermining of successful carbon offset projects and moves to force The Kimberley is the only region within a highly Indigenous peoples to give up their land rights by developed nation represented in the report. creating new conservation reserves. To read the report or find out more visit the KLC Kimberley Land Council Chief Executive Officer website www.klc.org.au Nolan Hunter said after almost four decades fighting for the recognition of native title rights, discriminatory actions are preventing Aboriginal people from fully exercising their rights.

26 DECEMBER 2016 KIMBERLEY LAND COUNCIL

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