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Indigenous Australians

‘It sickens me that because of the actions of a handful of self-centred, ignorant racists, once again Aboriginal people are being forced to defend their right to be a part of public life,’ writes Emma Garlett.

opinion
opinion
Emma GarlettPremium
opinion
Welcome to Country is an act of peace. Why does that offend?

It sickens me that because of the actions of a handful of self-centred, ignorant racists, once again Aboriginal people are being forced to defend their right to be a part of public life.

Emma Garlett

Emma Garlett

The Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation claims Rio Tinto is taking too much water from Bungaroo Creek.

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
WaterCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Rio accused of over-drawing scarce Pilbara water source

A Pilbara Traditional Owner group is adamant Rio Tinto is not moving quickly enough to reduce abstraction from Bungaroo Creek, despite the miner’s promise to build a bigger desalination plant.

Simone Grogan

Mabel Gibson says the idea of being published never quite felt real to her. (HANDOUT/INSIDE OUT PR)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumYamatji author weaves identity through writing debut

After starting a creative writing course to fill some time, Mabel Gibson has now published her debut book Crybaby, an 'honest and true' reflection on her life.

Keira Jenkins

The ceaseless determination of traditional owners has finally been rewarded, Indigenous leaders say. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumTraditional owners hail land claim after 45-year wait

Traditional owners are celebrating the return of more than 400,000 hectares of Country following four decades of negotiations and legal proceedings.

Keira Jenkins

Alana Gall's research found the vast majority of Indigenous people want access to cultural medicine. (HANDOUT/SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumDose of cultural medicine to 'decolonise healthcare'

Most Indigenous people would like to access cultural medicine, but many have difficulty doing so, with the practices largely left out of medical policy.

Keira Jenkins

Rachel Bin Salleh

Literature PremiumRachel Bin Salleh: champion of Indigenous storytelling

Nothing good ever comes from anything being in the dark,” says Rachel Bin Salleh. 

Natasha Clark

Student Malachai Clements' goal is to empower and improve the health of remote communities. (HANDOUT/DENTSU CREATIVE PR)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumBackyard orchard bearing fruit for remote residents

A backyard orchard is proving wrong the myth that remote regions are barren, sparking a mission to bring productive gardens to communities across Australia.

Keira Jenkins

The State Government believes a 500-bed facility is too far away to be used for people experiencing homelessness.

HousingPremiumRenewed pressure to house homeless in quarantine facility

The State and Federal governments are being urged to repurpose an empty 500-bed facility to tackle WA’s homelessness crisis.

Liam Murphy

Anyone should feel free to speak their opinions without fear of reprisal from their government. Even if those opinions are unpopular.

opinion
opinion
Indigenous AustraliansCommentsPremium
opinion
As world loses the plot, we must defend right to protest

Anyone should feel free to speak their opinions without fear of reprisal from their government. Even if those opinions are unpopular.

Emma Garlett

Warlayirti artist Joan (Eva) Nagomara

Health PremiumDialysis Patients in Kimberley supported through Art program

“We can’t go back,” artist Philomena Baadjo from Balgo says as she strokes burnt orange paint onto her canvas.

Natasha Clark

Troy Russell's composition 'The Morning Star (Clans)' will be performed alongside the work of Bach. (Kabuku Pr/AAP PHOTOS)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumGuiding light in the sky inspires musical composition

Troy Russell incorporates Indigenous stories and ideas into his compositions and his work honouring the history of Venus, or the morning star, is no different.

Keira Jenkins

New laws would provide "simpler and streamlined" approval for developments at sacred sites. ((A)manda Parkinson/AAP PHOTOS)

Indigenous Australians'Arrogance': Indigenous ire at sacred sites amendments

Amendments to sacred site legislation have attracted the ire of traditional owners, who have expressed frustration and alarm with the 'fast-tracked' process.

Keira Jenkins

Children capture photos in Mamadawerre in the Northern Territory for a mapping update. (HANDOUT/Apple Australia)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumIndigenous lands to be put on the map in Australia

Aboriginal place names, protected lands and reserves will be shown on mapping, weather and other apps in Australia as the result of a four-year project.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson

Lead artist Ben Beeton at the Northcliffe Genestreaming Journey Sculpture launch.

GIANT EVOLUTIONARY TREEPremiumGenestreaming Journey Sculpture in Northcliffe

A Genestreaming Journey Sculpture was launched in Northcliffe and marks the first installation in the Understory Garden Gallery.

Anjelica Smilovitis

‘I am shocked and disappointed in the State and Federal Government’s lack of progress to implement a treaty as a part of the Uluru Statement of the Heart,’ writes Emma Garlett.

opinion
opinion
Emma GarlettPremium
opinion
Australia can learn from New Zealand’s benchmark treaty

I just got back to Boorloo after spending time in Aotearoa. I am disappointed in the State and Federal Government’s lack of progress to implement a treaty as a part of the Uluru Statement of the Heart.

Emma Garlett

group of indigenous kids in the forest or village

Artificial IntelligencePremiumAdobe slammed over stock AI images of Indigenous Australians

Artificial intelligence has the potential to trigger a surge in fake Aboriginal art and is already depriving authentic artists of revenue.

John Flint

Noongar elders are fighting for ownership of Sister Kate’s land.

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
Indigenous AustraliansPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Noongar elders fight for ownership of ‘sacred women’s land’

‘The disrespect the Uniting Church and Congress have shown by signing this agreement without speaking to us is shameful.’

Caitlin Vinci

An echidna sighting has raised hopes of an island ecosystem recovering from a devastating bushfire. (HANDOUT/WWF-AUSTRALIA)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumEchidna digs in to help island wildlife back from blaze

Rangers are over the moon after an echidna was spotted on an island where wildlife was mostly destroyed by a devastating bushfire more than a decade ago.

Keira Jenkins

Clinical nurse consultant Lila Pigliafiori followed her mother's footsteps into health care. (Supplied/AAP PHOTOS)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumIndigenous medicos nursing First Peoples back to health

Generations of Indigenous health workers are leading the way in improving outcomes for First Nations patients and helping greatly to close the gap.

Keira Jenkins

A regional cultural centre was designed alongside the community to represent the bends in a river. (HANDOUT/THE PR HUB)

Indigenous AustraliansPremiumHow listening to Country can lead to better design

Designed to represent the bends of the Baaka (Darling) River, it is hoped this cultural centre will help inspire the next generation of architects.

Keira Jenkins

The first National Indigenous Women Rangers Network.

Indigenous RangersPremiumKimberley rangers join Indigenous Women Rangers Network

In March, Kimberley Rangers joined 190 rangers from across the country in Cairns for Australia’s first National Indigenous Women Rangers Network.

Natasha Clark

The International Indigenous Women's Forum called for an end to violence and inequality. (International Indigenous Women's Forum/AAP PHOTOS)

Indigenous AustraliansPremium'So much strength': women call for end to violence

Indigenous women have gathered at the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to call for an end to violence and inequality.

Keira Jenkins

The Djarindjin Store.

HealthPremiumHealthy food push in Kimberley remote community

A row of brightly coloured Pringles cans with a price tag of $8.50 sit on the shelves in the general store at Djarindjin, a remote Aboriginal community 200km north of Broome. 

Natasha Clark

Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir conducted by Morris Stuart.

Indigenous music and historyPremiumCentral Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir sing culture

Nationally recognised Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir have announced an Australian tour, and will stop for a performance at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre. 

Sofia Fimognari