Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation (KKAC) has officially launched its Cultural Mapping Project, designed to map and identify sites of Noongar heritage across the Boodja (Country) under the Corporation's stewardship.
The project seeks to capture oral histories, cultural practices, traditional land-use patterns, and significant cultural sites. A key focus is placed on the importance of waterways, landscapes, seascapes, and traditional sites that hold deep meaning within Noongar heritage.
The initiative is a priority for KKAC, with the goal of creating personalised cultural maps for each participating Elder and Senior Knowledge Holder. The individual maps will be consolidated into a comprehensive digital archive of Noongar heritage, encompassing Wardandi, Bibulmun, and Kaneang Boodja.
The archive will be presented through an accessible digital map, allowing for the interpretation and preservation of cultural knowledge.
In addition to mapping heritage, the project will ensure that cultural protocols—rooted in the wisdom of Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders—are documented and upheld in relation to the lands and waters of Karri Karrak Boodja.
KKAC has partnered with Winyama, an Aboriginal-owned geospatial and IT consultancy, to lead the development and implementation of the project.
The effort reflects KKAC's commitment to safeguarding and celebrating Noongar heritage, creating a lasting legacy of cultural knowledge for future generations.
Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation chair Stephen Van Leeuwen said the project reflects the Corporation's commitment to honouring the wisdom of past and present Elders.
"This project demonstrates the Corporation's commitment to its members and their desire to acknowledge the vision and wisdom of our Elders past and present," he said.
"The project will reinforce our connection to boodja, inform activities on boodja by the Corporation and our partners and ultimately become an irreplaceable resource to pass on to future generations to keep culture, community and Boodja strong."
Winyama managing director Andrew Dowding said his team has been privileged to record Elders' stories of life on Country.
"These Elders have courageously shared not just the joyful aspects of their connection to land, but also stories of historical hardships, providing a holistic view of Noongar heritage," he said.
"This project will preserve and celebrate Noongar heritage in all its forms - tangible andintangible. Creating not just a map; but a living, digital archive to guide future generations in their custodianship of Country, while providing valuable insights for land management and cultural preservation initiatives."
Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation heritage coordinator Gwen Gray said KKC Mapping Project embodies the spirit of self-determination from the South West Native Title Settlement.
"The efforts of Regional Corporations to safeguard and honour the deep cultural and historical knowledge passed down through our Elders and Senior Knowledge Holders," she said.
