EASTERN GURUMA STOP WELCOME TO COUNTRY FOR RIO TINTO AFTER DUMPING OF ARTEFACTS

(Source: NIT)

The destruction of 28 artefacts salvaged in the ’90s has led to Wantawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation stopping all welcome to countries for Rio Tinto.

The decision was made after a WGAC heritage manager did an investigation into claims about the dumpage of cultural heritage material and the appointment of Ben Wyatt to the Rio Tinto board.

It was found that a majority of these materials were excavations from rock shelters which were later taken to the tip.

Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation holds the native title on behalf of the Eastern Guruma people, their country covering parts around Tom Price, Karijini National Park and the Hamersley Ranges. 

A representative from Wantawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation Tony Bevan said the PBC is not going to participate or engage with Rio Tinto until they accept responsibility for not protecting artifacts in the early ’90s.

“It’s really sad and disrespectful that Eastern Guruma cultural material sites were treated in such a way”.

The group is moving towards compensation.

“Compensation is the only avenue left because it’s 25 years ago and you can’t bring them back,” said Bevan.

WGAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS SAY RIO NEEDS TO CHANGE ITS BEHAVIOUR

Mr Bevan said Rio’s behaviour needs to change with a modernisation of the agreements made with Rio Tinto.

“There’s a lot of talk about that but there needs to be a change of behaviour within the organisation”

Of the six Rio Tinto mines, traditional owners do not receive any compensation for the Marandoo, Brockman and Mount Tom Price mine.

This is because of a clause in the Native Title Act, which means mines operating prior to the native title act do not need to compensate traditional landowners.