Garnkiny and Goorlabal NOT Granite - Urgent support needed for Gija mob in the East Kimberley

Hi Lovely community, 

I hope this post finds you well in these challenging times. 

I wanted to let you know about an important social campaign that has been set up to show support for the Gija mob of the East Kimberley.  The country of internationally renowned Gija artists Mabel Juli and Rusty Peters has been damaged and is under threat.

Recent mining exploration by Kimberley Granite Holdings (KGH) on Gija country in the East Kimberley has caused the destruction of sacred and culturally significant sites at Jawaren located 50kms north of Halls Creek and in the native title area, part of a culturally significant dreaming site “Moon Dreaming” (Garnkiny). The destruction of these sites by Kimberley Granite Holdings (KGH) was desecration in Gija law and in clear breach of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. The area is registered under the Act. 

This was only an 'exploration'. KGH have illegally removed granite as samples only. They plan to extract thousands more tonnes. The Traditional Owners now have to take their fight to the Native Title Tribunal to stop expansion of the project.  

The dreamtime stories Garnkiny (Moon dreaming) and Goorlabal (the snake) from the damaged sacred sites have inspired countless art works from famous artists such as Mabel Juli, Rusty Peters and Hector Jandany. Artworks depicting these stories and site have been projected onto the Sydney Opera house and are hanging all over Australia in the Parliament House of Australia and many galleries including the National Gallery of Australia as well as many offices and private homes around the country and world. 

The destruction of the area is causing significant distress for the Traditional Owners.  

A website https://www.garnkinynotgranite.com/ has been set up by a group of passionate supporters to gather support for Rusty, Mabel, Eileen and the Gija mob at this distressing time.

What can you do? 

1. BE VOCAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 

Post Mabel Juli and Rusty Peters paintings with the hashtag #garnkinynotgranite or @garnkinynotgranite, tag art institutions that hold their work, and share your personal thoughts on the matter. 

2. WRITE TO POLITICIANS: 

Click this link to write to Ben Wyatt, WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs demanding that:  

In his capacity as Minister, Mr Wyatt: 

• Accelerate and complete his investigation.  
• Pursue a legal prosecution of Kimberley Granite Holdings for their breach of Section 18(2) and for destruction of the Gija site. 

  

3. SIGN & SHARE THE PETITION 

We would appreciate if you could forward onto any contacts you may have to gather further support. 
 

Thanks for your support.  

Sylvia Page on behalf of Gija Allies.