During a cultural exchange trip to celebrate collaboration and connections between Indigenous women ranger teams, a group of KJ Rangers from Punmu and Kunawarritji communities had an amazing opportunity to visit Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

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.

Rangers have undertaken a Wama Wangka trip to gather and carve warta (trees) for carving pilypin and jurna (‘hitting sticks’).

Social Ventures Australia reflects on Martu’s experiences and feelings about KJ’s impact on Martu communities over the past 10 years.

Ngurra Karti (The Getting Back Home) program has enabled Martu to return back to their communities in a timely manner. The program has reduced the time Martu spend in town and therefore exposure to toxic influences which exacerbate substance abuse, violence and destructive cycles or behaviours.

When the COVID-19 crisis hit, the Martu communities took on an unexpected and crucial role. “We did a census in Newman,” says Peter. “The Martu population there went from about 370 people to about 190 people and of that 190 only about 40 are children. Working with Martu, we got old people and children as well as whole families out of the towns and back into communities.”

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.

Fifteen years ago, Mr Taylor founded KJ with Sue Davenport and Peter Johnson, who were also honoured. Muuki is KJ’s senior cultural advisor and founded KJ to assist Martu to remain connected to country and culture.

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.