Traditional Owners look to nominate entire Kimberley
KLC Media Statement. September, 25, 2009
The Traditional Owner Advisory Group, established to research National Heritage Listing and facilitated by the Kimberley Land Council, met with the Australian Heritage Council today.
Advisory group member Bibido McCarthy said Traditional Owners discussed the important Indigenous, cultural and historic values the Kimberley has, and how important they are to the nation.
He said Traditional Owners are talking about nominating the entire Kimberley region for National Heritage Listing.
“We are throwing a blanket over the whole of the Kimberley,’’ Mr McCarthy said.
“We are one mob. Our stories, culture and history – past, present and future – are all interconnected.’’
Mr McCarthy said Traditional Owners took members of the Australian Heritage Council on a tour of the Kimberley, to show them some examples of why the Kimberley is special to Aboriginal people.
“Kimberley Aboriginal people have taken the lead in talking about National Heritage Listing. Our voice has been heard every step of the way. Our culture, traditions and laws are being recognised as important links that connect the Kimberley together,’’ he said.
“We are thinking very hard about National Heritage Listing and what it means for our people, which is why they will make the final decision on whether to nominate the whole region.’’
Kimberley Land Council Deputy Director Nolan Hunter praised the work of Kimberley Traditional Owners in taking the lead in researching National Heritage Listing.
“This process has empowered Kimberley Aboriginal people. We have been looking at National Heritage in a different way – a way that reflects our values, traditions and customs and how the Kimberley region is a symbol of our unity,’’ he said.
Traditional Owners will make a final decision in November on whether they will submit an application for National Heritage Listing. If they decide to nominate the Kimberley, a submission will be tabled to the Australian Heritage Council before Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett makes a final decision on National Heritage Listing in the Kimberley in July 2010.
