West Kimberley Language Groups
Much like the rest of Australia, the Kimberley is made up of many different and distinct groups, each with their own culture, customs and language. Many now live with a foot on both worlds, living contemporary lives while observing cultural practices and lore in an effort to ensure their culture and knowledge survives for the future generations.
The Bardi and Jawi (Djawi) are the traditional owners from the tip of the Dampier Peninsula and the islands at the entrance of King Sound.
a Saltwater adventure
Join us on a journey that began thousands of years ago through what is today known as the Middle Passage. We pass through the whirlpools and eddies between Jooloom and Jayirru and allow you to experience the power of some of the World’s biggest tidal waters and learn how these massive tidal currents were used by the Jawi people to hunt, fish and trade.
A marine reserve
The turbulent tidal waters are now the part of an important marine reserve. Co-designed under the joint management of the Bardi and Jawi, Mayala and Dambimangarri Traditional Owners, the marine park covers 74,469 square kilometres, with depths from less than 15 metres to 800 metres. The Traditional Owner's role in managing and caring for saltwater country is important for sustaining traditional food sources, protecting, and sharing culture and telling our story by continuing the unbroken connection to our sea country.