Building strong Martu communities

Established, led and driven by Martu, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa is empowering Martu to:

KJ Martu Indigenous Ranger utilies traditional 'right-way' controlled waru fire methods to manage and protect Country.

Look after culture and Country

KJ Martu Indigenous Rangers perform conservation work to care for ngurra (Country) on the Canning Stock Route in Western Australia.

Build a viable economy in Martu communities

The next generation of KJ Martu Indigenous Jigalong Rangers stand together on the Canning Stock Route in Western Australia. Over the next few years, these rangers will be trained to become the future leaders of the program.

Build pathways for young Martu to a healthy future

“It’s good because it belongs to all of us Martu, it belongs to all of the people. It is our organisation. It does what we want and need to do. It listens to Martu and grows with us. We try new programs and keep growing. KJ listens to Martu. It comes from Martu. We grow up our young people and teach them how to learn about companies, so we know how to understand the mainstream world. The young ones are growing to be strong in both worlds.”

— Thelma Judson, Senior Cultural Advisor

Our Programs

Our programs designed by Martu deliver significant cultural, environmental, social and economic gains to Martu communities.

Aboriginal Indigenous KJ Martu Parnngurr Rangers conducting controlled waru right-way fire management at White Gums, Western Australia.

Indigenous Aboriginal KJ Martu Rangers participating in a Kalyuku Ninti (Return to Country) trip to Kiriwirri, Western Australia.

KJ Martu Women's Leadership Program in Alice Springs for discussions about women's empowerment and strategies to address domestic violence.

Martu Aboriginal Indigenous children participating in KJ Family Program for cultural knowledge transfer and language immersion, strengthening their identity and connection to Country.

“Martu created Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ). Martu said what work it should do. Martu were walking around with not much work in the communities before KJ. Some went to work with KJ. They got work, they got good money, they got knowledge, they got strong. The feeling inside, their spirit is happy and strong.”

— Muuki Taylor, Senior Cultural Advisor, OAM

Map of Australia showing Martu Determination area, in the Pilbara Desert, Western Australia.

We are Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ)

Founded in 2005 and incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation operating as a company limited by guarantee in 2009, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) is dedicated to building sustainable Martu communities.

KJ is led by Martu, the Traditional Custodians of a vast area in the Western Desert of the East Pilbara. We work hand in hand with the communities to preserve Martu culture, build stronger communities, and achieve positive outcomes.

We deliver an integrated suite of programs that provide significant social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits to Martu. All of our programs are based on Martu culture, priorities and aspirations to go back to Country, to teach young people about their culture and to look after Country.

We believe in cultivating strong and lasting partnerships with stakeholders and mainstream agencies, working together to generate innovative and culturally resonant solutions. Through our collective efforts and shared visions, we can enact meaningful change that empowers Martu and strengthens their communities for the future.

Learn our story