Aboriginal History

The region has a cultural history that takes in the traditional Ngaluma, Yindjibarndi, Mardudunera and Yaburara Aboriginal groups with their traditional ceremonial ties, links to the land and family relationships.

The indigenous history since European settlement did not fare well for local Aboriginal groups who suffered the introduction of new diseases, were exploited through indentured labour and suffered the inevitable fate of domination. The history of the regions indigenous population further suffered following the spearing of a police officer with subsequent reprisals and raids leaving many locals maimed and killed.

The Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples are the acknowledged Native Title holders over areas of the Burrup Peninsula and the Shire of Roebourne, an agreement is in place with the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi people and Woodside Energy Ltd. and their North West Shelf Venture partners - BHPB, BP, Shell, Chevron and MIMI.

The agreement recognises the interests of the parties and aims to provide long term and sustainable support to the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi people through the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi Foundation Ltd.