The Kariyarra people live in and around the town of Port Hedland in the north-west of Western Australia, from Port Hedland west to Sherlock River and south to Yule River.
Country and region
The Kariyarra people live in and around the town of Port Hedland in the north-west of Western Australia, from Port Hedland west to Sherlock River and south to Yule River. The Kariyarra country is bound by Ngarla country to the north, Nyamal to the east and Ngarluma to the south.
Geography of Kariyarra country
After achieving native title recognition in 2018, the Kariyarra peoples native title claim Determination Area covers about 17,354 square kilometres of Kariyarra traditional country. The Determination Area encompasses the town of Port Hedland, Aboriginal reserves, several pastoral leases, and mining operations.
Importance of country
Port Hedland is the traditional grounds of the proud Kariyarra tribe. Kariyarra country is bound by Ngarla country to the north, Nyamal to the east and Ngarluma to the south.
The Kariyarra tribe are descendants of the Minjiburu spirit people.
Within Kariyarra country, there are areas of cultural, spiritual, historical and environmental significance. There are an estimated 15,000 engravings in the Port Hedland area. Whelk shells and stone shards were used to create the engravings in the limestone ridges. These can be seen today, passing down knowledge of the continued inhabitants of tribe lands, and often depicting hunting methods for dugongs, turtles, and fish.
Country holds great significance. It is a deep connection to the land, sea, skies, and all living things going beyond physical attachment. Country is a spiritual, scared, and cultural connection which has been passed down through many generations and continues to be a source of identity, shaping beliefs, customs, and practices.
Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation PBC 