Indigenous Experiences in the Kimberley: Sharing Culture, History, and Art

When tourists venture into the West Australian outback, they are often drawn by the allure of bush food, bush medicines, and a chance to glimpse into Aboriginal culture. However, industry leaders have noticed a significant gap in their understanding when these visitors leave the region. Jane Bieundurry, a Bunuba and Walmajarri woman, and tour operator in Fitzroy Crossing, is determined to bridge this knowledge gap. Fitzroy Crossing is a town still recovering from the devastating floods it experienced in January.


Jane Bieundurry with husband, Rodney Rawlins. Image: Mya Kordic

Jane Bieundurry with husband, Rodney Rawlins. Image: Mya Kordic

Now that the key roads have reopened and the dry season is in full swing, tourists are beginning to return to the Kimberley region. Ms. Bieundurry finds that the topic most frequently asked about by tourists is the Voice to Parliament. "Most of my tourists tell me they're voting for the Voice, so I get a good outcome," she shares. "Telling the story is more powerful with people around you and taking them on Country.”
(ABC News. June 18, 2023)

Shontae Charles, a Worrora and Nyikina woman, is a gallery coordinator and tour guide at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre near Derby, about two and a half hours away. She finds great joy in interacting with tour groups and sharing the story of the Wandjina, sacred spiritual beings and creators of the land that are often depicted by local artists in the Kimberley. "I like to paint when I'm out on Country because there are more ideas," says Ms. Charles. "I just get a happy feeling when I start talking, sharing about my culture. It just makes me so proud."
(ABC News. June 18, 2023)

Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre Image: Supplied

Jennifer Doyle, a tourist who travelled to the Kimberley from Canberra with her husband, feels fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from traditional owners like Jane Bieundurry. "We're really enjoying ourselves and soaking up the culture," says Ms. Doyle. "We're very lucky to have a local Indigenous woman telling the stories attached to this particular part of the Kimberley. It's been very insightful and moving."
(ABC News. June 18, 2023)

According to Robert Taylor, the CEO of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, there is a strong demand from both local and overseas tourists for Indigenous tourism experiences. A recent Tourism WA survey of 270 holidaymakers found that 81 percent of them expressed interest in such experiences. However, only about 17 percent of them actually had the opportunity to participate, highlighting the significant gap that exists.

Taylor emphasises that many tourists are genuinely interested in learning about bush food, bush medicines, and gaining insights into the lives of Aboriginal people. Guided tours with experienced tour guides and the chance to walk on Country while learning about Indigenous culture are highly sought after. He also notes that there has been substantial growth in membership in the Kimberley region for the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), with Kimberley tour operators comprising almost half of the organisation's total membership. 

While the tourist season had a slow start following the record floods in January, both Jane Bieundurry and Shontae Charles have been busy attending to the influx of visitors. "It's been full on," says Ms. Bieundurry. She encourages more people to get involved in tourism, as it provides a significant opportunity to meet new people, showcase products, and do business. (ABC News. June 18, 2023)

In conclusion, the West Australian outback offers a rich and captivating Indigenous experience. With passionate individuals like Jane Bieundurry and Shontae Charles sharing their knowledge, stories, and art, tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and natural beauty of the Kimberley region. The increasing demand for Indigenous tourism experiences reflects a growing interest in understanding and appreciating Aboriginal traditions, which serves as a stepping stone toward reconciliation and cultural preservation.

Head over to BW Tribal’s website for more insights into the rich tapestry of Indigenous communities across Australia.
https://bwtribal.com/