Karajarri

Karajarri country is known as the gateway to the Kimberley.

This stunning and unspoilt part of the world nestles in the south-western corner of north-western Australia, spanning more than 3 million hectares from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Great Sandy Desert in the east.

Brilliant blue waters dotted with mangroves lap onto sandy white beaches covered with shells. This is what Karajarri people call Jurarr (coastal country). As you go eastwards this turns towards Pirra (inland country), characterised by sparse vegetation and the red desert dunes of the Great Sandy Desert.

Jurrar includes beaches, tidal creeks, bays, reefs and sea-grass beds and provides vital habitat for numerous marine species, such as the Flatback Turtles that lay their eggs on Malumpurr (Eighty Mile Beach), and the Dugongs and Snubfin Dolphins often glimpsed swimming in the warm water just off the coast.

Pirra contains wetlands high in species richness, particularly breeding birds. It’s home to beautiful species such as the Gouldian Finch and Princess Parrot as well as rare mammals such as the Greater Bilby and the mysterious Marsupial Mole.

Karajarri country is also home to two internationally significant wetlands, and provides habitat for many endangered species. Together, we’re working to protect this stunning part of the world for future generations.

Their work is hugely diverse, spanning fire management, biodiversity monitoring and research, cultural site management, cultural awareness and immersion experiences, feral animal and weed management and fostering tourism on Karajarri country.

At the time of writing there were 10 full-time rangers, five in the Karajarri Men’s Ranger team (established in 2006), and five in the Karajarri Women’s Ranger team (established in 2018).

Supporting more Karajarri women, particularly young women, to work on country is the main focus of our partnership, which was officially launched in 2019.

For young women in the Karajarri community, a ranger job provides the chance to learn on country from senior women with important knowledge of bush foods, bush medicines, fishing and hunting. A trainee program between the female ranger team and the local high school in Bidyadanga community is providing a pathway to ranger work.

“The Karajarri Women’s Ranger Program is giving women an opportunity to be part of the big picture, be part of the big decisions and be part of looking after country,” says Bush Heritage National Aboriginal Engagement Manager Cissy Gore-Birch.

“Having women on country really changes that mindset and attitudes of people in communities that women are more than capable of doing ranger work.”

Culture and traditional knowledge

In Karajarri culture, all forms of life are connected to Pukarrikarrajangka (the Dreamtime). This includes the landscape, people, language and customs.

It’s very important to keep our culture and language strong and alive, because if we lose it, we lose our identity,” said Senior Cultural Karajarri Ranger Jessica Bangu.

Karajarri people believe it’s their responsibility to look after country and ensure traditions are passed on to future generations.

This deep spiritual, physical and emotional connection to country is known as Palanapayana Tukjana Ngurra (everybody looking after country properly).