Aboriginal Culture

Acknowledgement

The Shire of Carnarvon acknowledges and respects the Yinggarda (Carnarvon) and Baiyungu (Coral Bay) people as the Traditional Custodians of the Lands where we live and work, as well as all Native Title claims within our Local Government Area. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. The Shire of Carnarvon is committed to honouring the Traditional Custodians’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the Land, waters and their rich contribution to the region and society.

Aboriginal sites in Carnarvon are of immense cultural, scientific, educational and historic interest and provide Aboriginal people with an important link to their present and past culture.

A Region Rich in Culture

Aboriginal culture is an integral part of the identity of the Shire of Carnarvon. Home to one of the largest Aboriginal populations in regional Western Australia, the region is enriched by thousands of years of living culture, knowledge and connection to Country.

The traditional name for Carnarvon is Gwoonwardu, meaning "neck of water", a name given by the Yinggarda people that reflects the significance of the Gascoyne River and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Yinggarda elder Kath Ryan

Today, the Shire is home to the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre, which celebrates the history, culture and stories of the five Aboriginal language groups of the Gascoyne region. Through exhibitions, cultural experiences and education, the centre provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of the region and the enduring connection Aboriginal people have with Country.

The Shire of Carnarvon is of great cultural, spiritual and historical significance to the Yinggarda, Baiyungu, Thalanji, Thudgari, Malgana and Wadjarri peoples. Aboriginal heritage sites throughout the region continue to play an important role in preserving culture, history and identity.

Photo: Baiyungu elder Hazel Walgar and Matt Moncrief

The Gnulli Native Title Determination

In 1996, representatives from the Baiyungu, Yinggarda, Thalanji, Thudgari and Malgana peoples came together to lodge the Gnulli Native Title Claim, covering much of the Gascoyne region. The word Gnulli means "all of us" and reflects the collaboration between the Traditional Owner groups.

The claim resulted in significant agreements with the State Government and the Shire of Carnarvon, supporting future land use planning while recognising the ongoing connection of Traditional Owners to Country.

Aboriginal Organisations

The Shire is proud to work alongside many Aboriginal organisations that deliver essential services, preserve culture and support community development across the region.

These include organisations involved in health, education, community services, media, sport, environmental management, cultural heritage and economic development.

Bernier and Dorre Islands Lock Hospitals

The Bernier and Dorre Islands Lock Hospitals remain one of Western Australia's most significant and tragic Aboriginal heritage sites.

Between 1908 and 1919, hundreds of Aboriginal people from across the State were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to the islands under government policies of the time. Many never returned home, and it is estimated that more than 200 people died while detained.

Today, the Lock Hospitals are recognised as an important place of remembrance and truth-telling. They stand as a powerful reminder of the impacts of past government policies on Aboriginal people and the importance of acknowledging this history as part of Australia's journey towards reconciliation.

Reconciliation

The Shire of Carnarvon is committed to our journey to reconciliation by focusing on learning, promoting and celebrating the world’s oldest continuing cultures, and by building our cultural competency.

Aboriginal Culture - Latest News

Stay up to date with the latest Aboriginal culture news, community stories, events, partnerships and initiatives from across the Shire of Carnarvon. Discover how we are working with Traditional Custodians and Aboriginal organisations to celebrate culture, strengthen community connections and support reconciliation.

Gnulli Festival

Celebrate the rich Aboriginal cultures of the Gascoyne at the annual Gnulli Festival. Meaning "all of us", Gnulli brings the community together through music, dance, art, storytelling, workshops and cultural experiences, recognising the enduring traditions and shared heritage of the region's Traditional Custodians. Join us as we celebrate culture, connection and community.

Learn More

To learn more about Aboriginal heritage within the Shire of Carnarvon, including protected Aboriginal heritage sites, visit our Heritage page.