Twenty-three projects across Western Australia will share more than $500,000 through the latest round of the WA Government's Connecting to Country grants program.
A total of $506,711 has been awarded to projects designed to strengthen cultural knowledge and help Aboriginal communities maintain connections to Country.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available through the program, with funding provided to Aboriginal organisations, individuals and groups, as well as other organisations able to demonstrate strong Aboriginal governance and leadership.
Projects supported in the latest round stretch across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid-West, Gascoyne, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern and Perth regions.
The Kimberley received funding for seven projects, including $25,000 for Bulngunna Aboriginal Corporation to help care for carved boab trees on Yingualyalya Country.
Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation will also receive $25,000 for a project centred around Lalay stories, Junba songs and traditional Wanjina Wunggurr rock art.
Other Kimberley recipients include Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation for a Nyikina Mangala cultural camp, Nyamba Buru Yawuru for intergenerational learning and Goodngarngoon Aboriginal Corporation for a Back to Country project involving young people and Elders.
In the Pilbara, Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation was awarded $25,000 for its Thalanyji Wangka Yardinga language project, while Wanparta Aboriginal Corporation received $19,852 for an on-Country knowledge transfer and cultural preservation initiative.
Projects in other parts of the state will focus on areas including language, oral histories, cultural reconnection, youth engagement and creative heritage.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the program helped communities continue cultural practices and pass knowledge between generations.
"The Connecting to Country program supports Aboriginal communities to continue sharing the cultural knowledge, stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations," Ms McGurk said in a WA Government statement.
"These projects help bring Elders and young people together on Country to learn, connect and ensure cultural knowledge continues to thrive.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to support initiatives that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal culture while building leadership and opportunity within communities across Western Australia."
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said cultural leadership remained an important part of building stronger communities.
"Connecting to Country recognises the importance of cultural leadership and the role that culture plays in strengthening community wellbeing," Mr Punch said.
"These grants help Aboriginal-led projects to empower communities, nurture young leaders and maintain strong cultural connections to Country.
"It is wonderful to see such a diverse range of initiatives being delivered across Western Australia, helping preserve language, knowledge and cultural practices for future generations."
The next round of Connecting to Country grants is scheduled to open on September 8.
