WAYNE BERGMANN PUSHES FOR INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC FREEDOM AGAINST ALL ODDS
Co- author Madelaine Dickie with Wayne Bergmann (supplied)
BY ASAD KHAN
Wayne Bergmann, a prominent Indigenous leader from the Kimberley region, has released an audiobook that delves into his experiences advocating for Indigenous self-determination through economic participation.
Recognised for his work in native title and mining negotiations, Bergmann’s story highlights the challenges of pushing for meaningful economic engagement for Indigenous Australians.
In an interview with Ngaarda Media, he shared that his audiobook, titled Some People Want to Shoot Me, reflects on his tenure as CEO of the Kimberley Land Council. He described his mission as one of ensuring that traditional owners and Indigenous people are active participants in the economy.
“I wanted to tell my story about the tribulations of being an average man running the Kimberley Land Council and the struggle to challenge the status quo,”
“Traditional owners and Aboriginal people need to be part of the economy—whether it’s mining, pastoralism, tourism, or land management—because when Indigenous communities do well, the broader community benefits.”
He emphasised that economic participation leads to improved social and economic outcomes, benefiting not only Indigenous Australians but also the wider population.
He referenced research from Harvard Business School, stating that when Indigenous people thrive in business and employment, local economies improve, and communities become stronger.
Challenges of Sharing His Story
Mr Bergmann acknowledged that writing the book came with challenges, particularly in organising his thoughts and ensuring the story remained true to his experiences.
He credited writer Madelaine Dickie with helping structure the narrative and ensuring that his family was comfortable with the content.
“I grew up like many other Kimberley kids, with the same education levels and challenges,”
“But something in me drove me to make a difference. In my early 20s, I started working with senior Aboriginal people who had firsthand experiences of first contact with Europeans. Their knowledge shaped my understanding and ability to lead the Kimberley Land Council for a decade.”
A Message of Determination and Leadership
Bergmann hopes that listeners take away an understanding of the complexities within Indigenous communities and the importance of leadership in making change.
He stressed that creating progress is far more difficult than simply opposing development.
“The easiest thing to do is say no,” he said.
“Being someone who can make a difference, take risks, and grow something positive is much harder. I want people to understand that Indigenous communities have diverse perspectives, and many are working towards positive change.”
He also called for better systems to support those striving to improve Indigenous economic outcomes, highlighting the need for fact-based discussions and informed decision-making.
Standardising Indigenous Agreements
His experiences negotiating mining agreements have reinforced his belief in the need for standardised economic agreements across Australia. He pointed out that outcomes for Indigenous communities often vary depending on who represents them, rather than being based on consistent principles.
“There should be minimum standards in native title agreements, just like employment law,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be dependent on who your lawyer is or who is negotiating on the day. The cost of poor agreements is ultimately paid by all Australians through increased government spending on social programs.”
He argued that Indigenous people do not want to rely on welfare but instead seek economic independence and pride in self-sufficiency.
He believes that native title agreements should serve as a foundation for long-term prosperity, ensuring that Indigenous Australians are empowered to contribute to and benefit from economic development.
With Some People Want to Shoot Me, Bergmann hopes to spark discussions about Indigenous rights, economic participation, and the importance of ensuring fair opportunities for all Australians.
His story is both deeply personal and a reflection of broader systemic challenges, offering insights into the ongoing struggle for Indigenous economic self-determination.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Wayne Bergmann: