A carved pearl shell of cultural and spiritual importance, potentially more than 100 years old, has been returned to the Bardi Jawi People on the Dampier Peninsula, thanks to the efforts of a former Kimberley mining employee who spotted it in an op-shop.
Chris Olsen, a former trades and training manager with Rio Tinto, established the first apprenticeship program on the Dampier Peninsula in 2009. While working in the Kimberley, Chris learned about the riji - ceremonially engraved pearl shells of deep cultural and spiritual significance to the Bardi Jawi People and other coastal Aboriginal groups of the northwest Kimberley region in Western Australia.
Earlier this year, he spotted a riji in a Perth op-shop window. Immediately recognising its cultural significance, he purchased it with the intent to return it to its rightful custodians.
Mr Olsen said when he saw the riji hanging in the window in Perth, he immediately knew it wasn't decorative, but something special to be returned to Country, to the people who hold its cultural and spiritual meaning.
"My time working with Traditional Owners on the Dampier Peninsula was incredibly special. I was honoured to learn about the significance of the riji shells from an extraordinary Bardi artist and cultural leader who has since passed away," he said.
Mr Olsen contacted Rio Tinto's communities team, who consulted the company's Bardi Jawi employees. They confirmed the riji was a genuine ceremonial artifact, possibly more than a century old.
The team then facilitated its respectful return to the Dampier Peninsula with senior community members.
Bardi Jawi Traditional Owner Aaron Davey said thanked Chris on behalf of the Bardi Jawi People of the Dampier Peninsula, for finding and returning "this very old riji back to the People and Country it belongs".
"This artifact is not only a connection to our past but an important representation of the identity, values and traditions of the Bardi Jawi People," he said.
Rio Tinto has a longstanding relationship with Dampier Peninsula communities. In 2010, the company delivered the first remote community work-ready program on the peninsula and continues to support local employment, with about 20 FIFO employees from the remote Aboriginal communities - some with over 18 years of service.
Since the launch of the FIFO program, West Angelas leaders have taken part in cultural immersion programs to deepen their understanding of the region.
Rio Tinto iron ore vice president for health, safety, environment and communities, Caitlin Westgarth, said the story was an example of how enduring relationships and cultural awareness can lead to meaningful outcomes.
"I want to acknowledge Chris Olsen and the Rio Tinto Communities team for their efforts to return this artefact to its rightful custodians," she said.
"Stories like this remind us of the importance of listening deeply, learning continuously, and acting in genuine partnership with Indigenous communities. It is a powerful example of the role we can all play to protect and honour culture."
