
JABALBINA IS SAFEGUARDING THEIR TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
The Eastern Yalanjiwarra people are preserving Elders’ knowledge of water management for current and future generations
Story created in consultation with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.
Concerned about the loss of precious traditional knowledge, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation is empowering the next generation to work closely with their Elders, leading programs to safeguard cultural integrity.
With the head office based in Mossman, Jabalbina is dedicated to preserving Eastern Kuku Yalanji (EKY) culture. EKY Bama are the Traditional Owners of the Bubu (land) and Jalun (sea) stretching from the Mowbray River to the Annan River catchment, including the Daintree Rainforest area. Jabalbina means “Home of the Ancestors” and is committed to safeguarding cultural integrity and knowledge while advancing the benefits and long-term opportunities for EKY Traditional Owners. Guided and inspired by their Ancestors and Elders, the Jabalbina team works closely with EKY Traditional Owners through a range of programs and projects to protect the culture and knowledge that has existed on Country for millennia.
World-First Co-Design Initiative
Jabalbina is at the forefront of the groundbreaking co-design initiative that places Traditional Owners at the head of the table. The Traditional Owner Healthy Water Programs are designed by Traditional Owners for Traditional Owners and are funded by the Reef Trust Partnership (RTP), a partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The RTP acknowledges that putting Traditional Owners at the forefront of projects on their Country is essential for safeguarding the Reef and its catchments.
The Traditional Owner Healthy Water Grant Program has empowered Jabalbina to lead several valuable projects. A major concern of the EKY Traditional Owners is the loss of knowledge as their Elders grow older and pass. Through this program, Jabalbina Rangers now have the equipment and training needed to film, edit, and catalogue videos with Elders, capturing and preserving their irreplaceable knowledge.
Creating meaningful opportunities for the younger generation
The co-design initiative is also helping Jabalbina grow their organisation, bringing their young people into important positions that contribute to their purpose of protecting knowledge and culture.
“I see a really dynamic culture. I see people emerging from 100-plus years of trauma and emerging really strongly. We have six or seven young Yalanji managers that are running Jabalbina and forging a new future for the Yalanji people.”
– Josh Paterson, CEO, Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation
Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation has created significant new positions. Saisha Schonenberger, who began her career as a Ranger, now serves as the Youth Program Manager. Running the Junior Ranger program and trainees through the Skilling Qld trainees and youth healing camps due to start soon.
Another important role created is that of Indigenous Protection Manager. Allira Alvoen, Jabalbina’s IPA Manager, develops and manages the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Cultural Information Management System (EKYCIMS). The EKYCIMS is a cultural database containing valuable information related to activities carried out on Country, including the maintenance of sacred sites and story places, and cleaning up waterways. All activities are conducted in consultation with the Elders. The ECIMS serves as a valuable archive where cultural information is preserved safely for future generations and is shared when culturally appropriate.
Standing strong for the future
Jabalbina is built upon tens of thousands of years of Traditional Knowledge and lore being passed from generation to generation through the Elders. Empowered by the Traditional Owner’s world-leading co-design initiative, Jabalbina – Home of the Ancestors – continues this tradition. Saisha Schonenberger perfectly sums up the Jabalbina spirit: “Whenever we get out on Country with our Elders, it’s important to really absorb those moments and take on those stories because once they’re gone, they’re gone. I think we’re in a prime position to take on that knowledge and keep it safe for future generations.”
Find out more about the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and their work for healing country.