Palanapayana Tukjana Ngurra
‘everybody looking after country properly’.
Karajarri people are the traditional owners of the lands from far into the Great Sandy Desert to the Kimberley coast, approximately 32,000 square kilometres of land and waters. For Karajarri people the country, plants, animals and the water are wankayi (alive).
Our connection to country is strong, our commitment to caring for country
‘palanapayana tukjana ngurra’ —‘everybody looking after country properly’.
Karajarri Country
On the coast, Karajarri country stretches from half way up Eighty Mile Beach to just south of of Broome’s Roebuck Bay. Inland it reaches well into the Great Sandy Desert.
Karajarri Country encompasses both jurarr (coastal areas) and pirra (inland areas)
Desert Country to Saltwater Country
The pristine coastal region contains limestone cliffs, beaches, tidal creeks, bays, reefs and seagrass beds. These areas are breeding and feeding grounds for sea turtle, Dugong, Snubfin Dolphin and migratory shorebirds. The eastern, desert country is home to many rare animal species such as the Spectacled Hare-wallaby, and Greater Bilby. Within the desert area exists many springs and soaks that sustained Karajarri people for thousands of years. These springs have both ecological and cultural significance. Much of the inland area is yet to be surveyed sufficiently for its biodiversity values. These values are also recognised through the jointly managed reserves of 80 mile beach, Walyarta and Dragon Tree Soak.
