Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson has announced a Lotterywest grant of $1,445,750 for Pilbara traditional owners to build capacity and capability of cultural land management programs.
The grant will be used by Pilbara Cultural Land Management Project partner organisations to collaborate and care for both cultural and natural heritage.
The aim of the project is to enhance the resources and skills of partner groups to assist in the collection and sharing of data along with fostering sustainable environmental and cultural land monitoring.
It seeks to build the collective technical capability and skills of Pilbara Cultural Land Management Project partners and develop and deploy a set of common digital platforms, tools, and resources that support:
- collaboration in data collection and sharing;
- sustainable environmental and cultural land monitoring and management activities; and
- the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
The project is made up of 10 traditional owner groups, covering 48 per cent of the Pilbara land area.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government is very proud to support the Pilbara Cultural Land Management Project which recognises Aboriginal people’s cultural knowledge, heritage and connection to their country.
“Cultural land management is a significant opportunity to deliver jobs and economic benefits to traditional owners on country.
“The project recognises the need for locally developed solutions to regional challenges, and it will support traditional owners to implement cultural and conservation land management across their native title determinations.
“This partnership is exceptional in that it is an opportunity for traditional owners to plan and lead the development of land management projects right from the start.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“I congratulate Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation on being successful grant recipients.
“The evidence-based data that could be collected through this grant will help traditional owner groups make informed decisions when working with other stakeholders.
“It highlights how Lotterywest grants can make a difference in our communities across the State.”
As stated by Murujuga Chief Executive Officer Peter Jeffries:
“The Pilbara Cultural Land Management Project is a strategic effort by the 10 Pilbara traditional owner groups to empower our voice, give us a strong sense of responsibility, and take the lead in keeping our country, culture and people strong.
“We are thrilled to receive the State Government’s support and are looking forward to creating outcomes for our people on country.”
