Aboriginal leaders in the Kimberley recently issued the Ngumpan Statement - a declaration marking 40 years of law, language and culture, calling on governments to protect Country, culture and water.
The statement urges leaders to reject short-term policies and adopt long-term thinking that places respect for future generations at the centre of decision-making.
"Water is life. It sustains our Country, our people, and our culture," the statement reads.
It argues Western Australia's century-old water laws fail to recognise Aboriginal rights or knowledge, and must be reformed to avoid the mistakes seen in other regions where water has been overallocated and mismanaged.
The signatories noted the Kimberleys should lead with a precautionary and sustainable approach, remaining grounded in Aboriginal leadership and knowledge systems.
Cultural heritage was also a central concern.
The statement pointed to the destruction of Darrajayin, a sacred site featuring men's and women's areas connected to the Serpent Dreaming Story (Jawaren) and the Moon Dreaming Story (Garnkiny) on Malarngowen Country.
It said current laws in Western Australia and nationally are too weak to provide meaningful protection.
"We call for strong, best-practice cultural heritage laws that protect our sacred places and ensure our voices are at the centre of all decisions about our heritage," the statement read.
On fracking, the statement warned the risks to water, culture and community are too great, with existing protections described as inadequate.
Most of the state is already shielded from fracking and the statement said the Kimberley should be no different.
"Until there are genuine rights of veto for Traditional Owners and a robust regulatory framework, there must be a moratorium on all fracking in our region," it read.
The role of young people was highlighted as a priority for the future.
The statement said they are stepping forward with knowledge and creativity and must be supported to carry law, language and stories through education, employment and strong cultural connections.
Despite the challenges identified, the statement emphasised that Kimberley Aboriginal people are creating their own future.
Programs, businesses and industries continue to provide jobs, strengthen culture, and improve wellbeing while supporting self-determination and keeping Country healthy.
The statement also presses governments to act on commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, saying it is time for words to be matched with action through genuine shared decision-making.
Five demands were listed: reform of water laws to recognise Traditional Owner rights and knowledge, stronger national heritage protections, a moratorium on fracking until veto rights and best-practice regulation are in place, investment in co-designed initiatives for young people, and formal recognition of the Kimberley Aboriginal Regional Body as the authority for the region's voice.
"We speak with one voice to protect our Country, our language, our culture, and our future," the statement said.
"Guided by our old people, whose strength, dignity, and resilience have carried us through generations, we are grounded in the power of our heritage, led by our law and united in our responsibility to those who came before us and those yet to come."
