During the 2023 Kalyuku Ninti trip, 59 traditional owners from Martu and Kulyakartu native title determinations visited Wirnpa, one of the most powerful ancestral beings of the Jukurrpa (Dreaming). The purpose of the visit was to educate the younger generations about Wirnpa and the importance of respecting and caring for him and Country.

Martu communities gathered in Parnngurr to honour their Elders, including Muuki, who received the Order of Australia Medal. Martu adults and children also took part in various activities as they competed for the KJ Martu Cup.

A look at the Homelands Movement during the 1980s; when Martu first decided to move away from towns and go back and live in the desert on their country.

Building the skills and confidence for Martu women to become leaders in their communities and the mainstream world.

Martu women — the holders of traditional botanical knowledge and expertise — will preserve valuable knowledge of bush foods, medicine and other plant materials.

In the slightly salty claypans on Martu country, an edible native succulent kalaru (samphire) grows, and people from all over Punmu community have come together to share and record knowledge of how Martu turn this seed into damper.

To combat the threats to mankarr (bilby) populations, BHP is supporting the “Martu mankarr search” method which is based on Martu knowledge of desert ecology, classification of habitat types, fire patterns, food resources, threats and management practices that affect desert animals.

Martu have partnered with the Western Australian Museum to share Martu stories in the new museum which is scheduled to open in late 2020. One of these stories is about Martu knowledge of yintakaja (permanent waterholes) in the desert.

In early March, KJ started delivering audio recorder training sessions in communities. KJ’s Country & Culture team member, Tam (aka Lunkuta) visited Kunawarritji community where rangers, community members and high school students from Rawa School all came together to learn and practice on the new recorder.

While the communities have been locking down due to the Coronavirus the rangers teams, while practising physical distancing, have been busy caring for country, looking after elders, engaging in cultural activities and giving their workspaces a touch-up.