YAMATJI MARLPA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION HOLD ANNUAL YULE RIVER ON-COUNTRY MEETING

Kariyarra Elder Raylene Button. Credit: Facebook.

In the Pilbara, Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) will hold its annual Yule River On-Country meeting on Wednesday and Thursday this week. 

The Yule River meeting is designed to enable discussion between Pilbara First Nations people and government representatives.  

It takes place about 55km south of Port Hedland.  

The meeting has been postponed for the past two years due to Covid. 

Palyku and Kariyarra woman and YMAC Board Member Raylene Button said the meeting will focus on updating First Nations members on current issues such as the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act. 

“It’s giving an update to our community and also making them aware of what’s happening, where the government is going with this,” she said.

“Making sure that they are aware of these changes and that their organisations are prepared for them.

“It’s making sure that they’ve got all those policies and procedures in place and they are aware of the different tiers of the Heritage Act.”

Ms Button said that this meeting is important to Pilbara First Nations groups. 

“Yule River does have a very significant and very cultural value,” she said.

“Especially to the Kariyarra people, that river holds significant history and significant heritage.”