CHANNEL 7 SHOW CULTURALLY RESTRICTED ROCK ART IMAGES ON TV

A snap of the story from Channel 7 News.

Traditional custodians of Murujuga, the Burrup Peninsula, say images aired on Channel 7 Regional News last night were culturally insensitive and should not have been broadcast on TV or Facebook.

Save Our Songlines founder and Mardudhunera woman Raelene Cooper was interviewed in Channel 7’s story about the Burrup Peninsula being nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage listing.

The story featured images of rock art depicting a goomba, or face, which custodians say should not be photographed.

Ms Cooper released a statement responding to the culturally inappropriate content shown on Channel 7.

"I was not aware that Channel 7 would use culturally restricted images of the Murujuga rock art in their story and did not see the vision before it went to air,” she said.

“Save Our Songlines provided Channel 7 with alternative, culturally safe footage which they did not use. Save Our Songlines has contacted Channel 7 and asked them not to use culturally sensitive images in their future coverage. We take cultural safety seriously in our role as Custodians."

Ngaarda Media’s Camilia Samson asked members of the Roebourne community about the incident during her Street Talk segment today.

“I think [the media] should be talking to local people and making sure it’s okay,” one community member said.

Another person spoke about the importance of respecting the people of the land’s culture.

“I never saw the news but I’m pretty sure some people would be angry because its a sacred site,” he said.

“You’re not supposed to be doing that. People want to respect our culture.”

“If they tell you ‘don’t take photos’, respect that, done. Respect the people of this land.”

Ngaarda Media has contacted Channel 7 for comment.

The Facebook video of the segment uploaded by Channel 7 has been deleted.