CULTURE, COUNTRY AND CONNECTION CELEBRATED AT KARIJINI EXPERIENCE 2025

BY ASAD KHAN

The Karijini Experience 2025 wrapped up on Monday, bringing together music, food, and culture in the heart of Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The annual festival offered a rich celebration of Indigenous heritage, with a program that included live performances, fine dining, and immersive cultural experiences on Banjima Country.

Among the highlights was a live cooking demonstration by award-winning storyteller chef Zach Green, who showcased the versatility of native ingredients in contemporary cuisine.

“These events are very, very, very important because it’s reconciliation on a plate,”

“Sometimes we have to understand that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is Australia’s culture—and what better way to do that than through food? Food’s the universal language of the world. Everyone needs to eat.”

Proud Banjima woman and Traditional Owner Stellena Dowden, who works with BHP and the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation restoring land affected by mining, said events like this help strengthen community ties and cultural pride.

“I enjoy it. It’s a good place to come and see all the families and be on Country,” she said.

Ngarluma/Yindjibarndi woman Cherylea Walker also contributed to the festival, sharing traditional bush medicine knowledge through her business, Pilbara Bush Remedy.

“This is my third year at um Karigini Experience and I think it's it's amazing experience you know celebrating one Jimo culture. Every year it's it's getting bigger and better,” she said.

The Karijini Experience continues to grow as a platform for celebrating Aboriginal culture, storytelling, and connection to Country, drawing visitors from across Australia and beyond.