NYFL CEO SEAN-PAUL STEPHENS COMPLETES BIRDARRA LORE INITIATION
NYFL CEO Sean-Paul Stephens undergoing initiation under Birdarra Lore with the guidance of senior Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Martu, and Kuruma Lore men. PC: Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation
BY ASAD KHAN
Sean-Paul Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd (NYFL), has undergone initiation under Birdarra Lore with the guidance of senior Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Martu, and Kuruma Lore men.
After spending years on Country, he said Elders had encouraged him to participate for both cultural and safety reasons. He described the experience as an "unimaginable privilege" and a lifelong commitment.
He said many senior Elders had urged him to "go through" over the past decade due to the significant amount of time he spent on Ngurra (Country).
He was often taken by senior men to sacred sites considered dangerous for uninitiated men, and he recognised that his presence in such places could also pose a risk to those accompanying him.
“I have had a long internal battle about whether whitefellas should go through initiation. It is a serious commitment. I didn’t want to do it for the wrong reasons,” he said.
“But last week, the senior Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, and Kuruma men who have been mentors for me over recent years made it happen.”
He expressed deep gratitude to the Martu Lore men who travelled from desert communities and Wurralong to be part of the ceremony.
Traditional Owners with Sean-Paul Stephens PC: Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation
He also reflected on the strong bonds formed with those who underwent initiation alongside him, referring to them as his "Yalbu," or brothers, to whom he will remain connected for life.
Mr Stephens acknowledged the generosity of the Ngarda-Ngarli (Aboriginal) community across the Pilbara in sharing their culture despite historical injustices.
“The community here has every right to push back on those from backgrounds that have inflicted violence on the community, but that’s not what happens,
“So much of the Aboriginal community here in the Pilbara is incredibly generous, inviting outsiders in to understand culture because it helps us all make better decisions, be better human beings, and understand the lay of the land better.”
Reflecting on his initiation, Stephens emphasised the significance of being welcomed into the cultural practices of the region.
“I am prouder of this than almost anything else. Support and inclusion from Elders is far more meaningful and important to me than corporate or academic achievements,” he said.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Sean-Paul Stephens: