On Country Cultural Immersion

The project commenced with cultural foundation and strength by coming together for an intensive on-Country immersion in Yawuru culture, facilitated by Lloyd Pigram, Di Appleby from Walaja Cultural Experiences, Yawuru Elders, and Nyamba Buru Yawuru representatives. By spending two days on birragun (land) and nagulagun (sea), the entire project team gained important insight into Yawuru peoples’ cultural values, and learned the importance of customary hunting and sustainable take of cultural resources and how caring for Country is underpinned in Bugarrigarra (time immemorial). The team workshopped how this phenomenal experience enhances shared custodianship and informs project co-development and co-delivery. This decolonised collaboration continues to frame all aspects of the project and similar immersion activities have already been embedded into other projects in the regions, benefiting any end user interested in cross-cultural research and co-managed resources

We are grateful for support from WA Govt. Dept. of Jobs, Tourism, Science & Innovation as well as the Dept. of Biodiversity, Conservation, & Attractions and Rio Tinto