If you had worked for a mining company in the Pilbara for a quarter of a century, you would likely have amassed a small fortune. For many, that would be a measure of a successful life. But for Kevin Guiness, after a quarter century as a diesel mechanic for a major Iron Ore producer, he has not amassed wealth. He has spent a quarter century supporting dozens of family members, some with disabilities and chronic health problems.

Kevin chose to pursue a career, while also remaining true to his cultural obligations. Under Yindjibarndi Lore, one does not amass 'wealth' in the non-Indigenous sense, as all resources are shared. This is adherence to ancient lore. It stems from a pre-colonial time when a nation, like Yindjibarndi, would share resources to ensure the vulnerable, young and old would thrive alongside the fittest and strongest. No one would go without.

This cultural governance is called Galharra. It is not only Yindjibarndi people who maintain Galharra, it remains strong across many Pilbara language groups, such as Ngarluma, Kuruma, Yinhawangka and so on.

Though each may have different name. Galharra is a system that connects all Ngurrara-Ngarli (Traditional Owners). Under Galharra, all people are born into four 'skin groups'; Balyirri, Banaga, Burrunggu, and Garimarra.

One's skin group determines how they interrelate to those around them. Under Galharra, your mother's sisters are also your mother. Your father's brothers are also your father. It is a complex and intricate system that remains strong in the Pilbara.

Anthropologists have studied these kinship systems for years. The system is likely over 60,000 years old, or in Yindjibarndi, from 'when the world was soft', Ngurra-Nyujunggamu. In fact, the chances are the Traditional Owners you walk past at the local shops in the Pilbara have an intimate and deep understanding of this complex system of kinship.

Galharra means that Kevin has obligations to his community. And they to him. As a seventeen year old living in Ieramuagdu (Roebourne), 1,500 km north of Perth, Kevin decided that he both wanted a career, while also maintaining his culture. He wanted to find that balance. He pursued an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic.

Kevin's story is one of resilience. When he secured his apprenticeship as a young man, he found out he had to get to work from his home in Ieramugadu to Dampier each day. But he had no vehicle. So, he would wake at 2am and hitchhike. He remembers a few times he had to walk home to Ieramugadu - 61 kilometres. Yet he rarely missed a day of work.

Twenty five years later, Kevin now works at an Iron Ore port. Still a diesel mechanic. He is also regarded as a cultural leader amongst the Traditional Owners community.

Over the twenty five years working, he has maintained fluency in his mother-tongue, and practiced ceremony - initiating the next generation of young men each year, and teaches Yindjibarndi culture with pride.

While humble, and preferring to stay out of the limelight, Kevin is sharing his story for two reasons. The first - to show the next generation what is possible. The balance can be achieved. And the second, is to help the rest of Australia understand the cultural obligations of many across the nation. That many Ngarda-ngarli (Aboriginal people) must find a balance, and make sacrifices, that few others can understand.

So, no, Kevin has not amassed wealth in the sense that non-Indigenous Australia would normally understand it. He has amassed a different kind of wealth. He has maintained his cultural obligations, his Lore, his language, and his Galharra. He knows that the next generation will be handed a strong cultural fabric and identity. He has financially supported a vast number of vulnerable people. Especially those in his community with disabilities, and Elders who are unable to work.

He has supported young families in financial trouble. Many have not gone hungry because Kevin has ensured the most vulnerable always have a meal. Like his ancestors have done since time immemorial. Kevin is not alone. For many Ngurrara-ngarli (Traditional Owners) across the Pilbara and beyond, this is a familiar story. It's time non-Indigenous Australia recognises the incredible contribution the Kevins of the world make to our shared society.