AGM 2009 wrap-up
October 10, 2009
More than 500 people attended the Annual General Meeting at Gambanan in October which included a cultural gathering of important Kimberley elders.
People came from all across the Kimberley to stand up and have their say in the important business matters of the regions peak Indigenous organisations – the Kimberley Land Council, the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre and the Kimberley Language Resource Centre.
A highlight of the three-day event was a presentation from Western Australia Indigenous Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames – the first minister to address Kimberley Land Council members in 15 years.
Dr Hames said the Western Australian Government would like to see individual’s own their own homes.
He said there were three different types of land ownership in Western Australia including traditional ownership of land through native title, community land and individual ownership, where people owned their own block of land within a community.
Traditional Owners voiced their concerns about building houses on native title land. Dr Hames said the Government was required to get approval and a permit from Traditional Owners before they could build houses, so they could ensure housing was built on an appropriate site that does not destroy and areas of special cultural and traditional significance.
The United States Consulate General Ken Chern, who also attended the AGM with his family, said the meetings had showed him the strength of Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley and what could be achieved when people came together to make decisions about their future.
Kimberley Land Council Deputy Director Nolan Hunter praised the work of ranger groups who were responsible for the logistics of the meeting, and worked tirelessly to set-up the area, clean toilets and showers, organise firewood and deliver and serve meals. He also recognised the staff of the three organisations in working to make sure the AGM was a success.
Mr Hunter said the dancing and corroboree was a highlight of the AGM and showcased the spirit of Aboriginal culture and tradition.
“Hundreds of people came to watch the dancing and support family members and friends,’’ he said.
“It showed that our culture is alive and strong in the Kimberley.’’
