Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation is working to build new support pathways for Dambeemangaddee people in the Kimberley through Dambimangari Aboriginal Navigation (D.A.N.), a program the organisation says is "focused on helping people navigate life's challenges, build their capacity and connect with the right support, training and employment opportunities".

D.A.N. works with people at different stages of life, supporting young people, adults and families to connect with services, build confidence and skills, strengthen wellbeing and find positive pathways forward.

Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation said supporting people to build their capacity is an important priority for the organisation, and is reflected in the Dambimangari Healthy Country Plan.

"Building strong people and strong communities is part of building a strong future for Country and culture," DAC said.

Recent youth camps hosted on Dambeemangaddee Country at Kimbolton are one example of D.A.N. in action. The two camps, one for boys, one for girls, brought together young people, schools, community organisations and local services, with a focus on reconnecting young people who have become disengaged from school or other services.

The camps aimed to provide safe spaces to talk openly, connect with culture, build positive relationships and discuss issues affecting their lives.

Delivered in collaboration with Derby District High School, Clontarf and Shooting Stars, with support from World Vision's Impact Club and local health, wellbeing, police and justice services, the boys' camp brought together 16 young men, including five Dambeemangadee young people.

The camp focused on culture, identity, positive role models, respectful relationships and making good choices, with support from DAC employees Steve Martin, D.A.N Coordinator, Aaron Cooper, Dambimangari Tour Guide, and Anthony Edgar, Community Support Officer.

The girls' camp brought together eleven Year 11 and 12 students, with eight completing the camp.

Supported by D.A.N. Assistant Coordinator Grace Matos, World Vision's Impact Club and other local services, the girls had a safe space to talk about relationships, health and wellbeing and connect with trusted people and services.

"We want young people to know they have people around them who care about them and want to see them do well. These camps gave them a safe space to talk, have a laugh, learn about culture and relationships and just be themselves," Ms Matos said.

"For us, it's about building that connection early so they know they can come back to us when they need support."

Kat Faithfull from World Vision's Impact Club said the camps "provided an opportunity to take the important conversations and education around healthy relationships directly to young people, creating a safe and culturally meaningful environment where they could learn, ask questions and have open conversations".

"Delivering these sessions on Country created a space where young people felt comfortable to be vulnerable and share their own stories and experiences. Being away from the usual environments and surrounded by Country helped create a sense of openness, trust and connection.

"Young people are more likely to open up when they are in a space where they feel safe, comfortable and respected. These camps created exactly that space.

"Our young people hold so much knowledge and life experience. They are strong, capable and true leaders within their communities. Creating opportunities for them to have their voices heard, ask questions and build their knowledge empowers them to make informed choices and support themselves and others."

The youth camps are one part of the broader work being delivered through D.A.N.

DAC said the program is about "building people's confidence and capacity, helping them make strong decisions, navigate challenges and connect with opportunities in education, training and employment".

"For young people, this can mean reconnecting with school, strengthening relationships and cultural connection and developing positive pathways into adulthood. For adults, D.A.N. can help people identify opportunities, access support, build skills and connect with training and employment," DAC said.

The organisation said the D.A.N. program is "built around relationships, creating a safe place where people can ask for help, talk through challenges and work towards their own goals".

A community effort, DAC said the success of the programs run through D.A.N. came from the number of local organisations and people willing to work together.

D.A.N. Coordinator Steve Martin said: "We couldn't have done the boys' and girls' camps without the incredible commitment and support from the local groups we work alongside."

"World Vision's Impact Club, Derby Aboriginal Health Service, the social and emotional wellbeing team, Derby District High School, Clontarf, Shooting Stars and so many others all played an important part," he said.

"We want people to have the support and opportunities they need to make good decisions and find their own pathway. When we empower people and build their capacity, we build stronger families and stronger communities for the future."