A new cultural mapping tool to preserve Noongar Cultural Heritage
Media statement
Karri Karrak’s Cultural Mapping Project will identify Noongar Heritage sites
Initial project funding will map the cultural knowledge of 30 Karri Karrak Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders
Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation (KKAC) launched its Cultural Mapping Project, aimed at mapping and identifying sites of Noongar Heritage, over the Boodja (Country) cared for by the Corporation.
The project is dedicated to capturing oral histories, cultural practices, traditional land-use patterns, and cultural sites, with a focus on the cultural significance of waterways, landscapes, seascapes and traditional sites integral to Noongar heritage.
The innovative mapping project is a key priority for the Corporation. It will create individualised cultural maps for each Elder and Senior Knowledge Holders involved, drawn together to create a rich digital archive of Noongar Heritage spanning Wardandi, Bibulmun, and Kaneang boodja, with the information displayed on a digital map, allowing for easy access and interpretation of cultural knowledge.
Through the deep cultural knowledge of its Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders, the project will also ensure that appropriate cultural protocols are recorded and observed in relation to the lands and waters of Karri Karrak boodja.
KKAC engaged Winyama, an Aboriginal-owned and operated geospatial and IT consultancy, to undertake the project.
Andrew Dowding, Managing Director of Winyama:
“Our team has been privileged to record Elders' stories of life on Country. These Elders have courageously shared not just the joyful aspects of their connection to land, but also stories of historical hardships, providing a holistic view of Noongar heritage.
“This project will preserve and celebrate Noongar heritage in all its forms - tangible and intangible. Creating not just a map; but a living, digital archive to guide future generations in their custodianship of Country, while providing valuable insights for land management and cultural preservation initiatives.”
Stephen van Leeuwen, Chair of the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation:
“This project demonstrates the Corporation’s commitment to its members and their desire to acknowledge the vision and wisdom of our Elders past and present. The project will reinforce our connection to boodja, inform activities on boodja by the Corporation and our partners and ultimately become an irreplaceable resource to pass on to future generations to keep culture, community and Boodja strong.”
Gwen Gray, Heritage Coordinator at the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation:
“The Karri Karrak Cultural Mapping Project reflects the spirit of self-determination behind the South West Native Title Settlement and the efforts of Regional Corporations to safeguard and honour the deep cultural and historical knowledge passed down through our Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders.”
For more information, please contact heritage@karrikarrak.com.au.
Download: Karri Karrak media statement (PDF 125 KB)
Left to right: Gwen Gray (Heritage Coordinator, Karri Karrak), Andrew Dowding (Winyama), and Yukio Chaplin (Winyama).
Left to right: Ken Ninyette (Noongar Knowledge Holder), Andrew Dowding (Winyama), and Yukio Chaplin (Winyama).
