Sheffield has no heritage or native title consents to operate the Thunderbird Project from Mt Jowlaenga #2 claim group or Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation

Nominated representatives of the Mount Jowlaenga #2 claim group and Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation met last week with their authorised representatives KRED Enterprises on Sheffield Resources’ proposed Thunderbird Project. The Thunderbird Project affects both groups’ native title lands and waters. Sheffield has no heritage or native title consents to operate the Thunderbird Project from either group.

A representative of the groups stated, “We stand together, with KRED as our representative, to protect our lands and waters from the actions of companies that disrespect our native title. We will not let companies bully us away from the standards of agreements that our families and ancestors worked so hard to establish in the Kimberley. Companies who want to operate on our native title lands will need to engage properly with us through our representatives, to develop a relationship based on trust.”

Mount Jowlaenga and Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation have invited representatives from the United Nations to visit the Kimberley in the coming weeks. The groups plan to discuss with the UN reps the actions of companies that seek to undermine and disregard native title and self-determination.

KLC's CEO Nolan Hunter calls for a relationship reset

This press release was put out by the National Native Title Council

The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is appalled at the treatment of young Aboriginal boys in detention in the Northern Territory and believes it is symptomatic of the ongoing poor relationship between Australian governments and Indigenous peoples across the country.

Speaking from the Gaarma Fesitval in the Northern Territory, the NNTC’s Chair Mr Nolan Hunter said the Prime Minister had clearly stated that he was interested in doing things ‘with Aboriginal people not to them’. 

“The appointment of Chief Justice Brian Martin for the Royal Commission and the development of a Terms of Reference with minimal involvement from the Indigenous leadership is not a good way for this Government to start any relationship with Indigenous peoples. 

“Even more disturbing will be the involvement of the Northern Territory government in the Royal Commission, which is a serious conflict of interest when enquiring into the Northern Territory juvenile justice system,” said Mr Hunter.  “How the Government can expect to have the trust of Indigenous peoples in issues affecting their lives is beyond me.

“There have been numerous concerns raised already by many key stakeholders, and these concerns need to be addressed,” said Mr Hunter.  “The human rights and protection of our children and young people should be paramount in any government system whatever its purpose.

“This Government needs to ensure that Indigenous people are involved in all matters that impact their lives and we call on the Prime Minister and the Government to work with Indigenous people to ensure the Royal Commission achieves the best possible outcome”.

The NNTC is the peak body for native title representative bodies and service providers.

Smile, have fun and live the dream!

KRED Enterprises has been proud to support the Specky Dreaming Program, a project based around teaching young people the skills and fundamentals of football.

It involves a strong hands-on football focus, as well as a broader social focus, aiming high to inspire and encourage youth to make positive decisions, reflect on personal values and principles, and achieve healthy personal goals in life.

Students at Looma and Fitzroy Crossing had the opportunity to meet a hero of the Australian Football League, Bradley Dick. Bradley, a former AFL player, was part of the project as a guest speaker and a role model for the young community. He spoke about the strength needed to move away from family and country, and about the difficulties of living in two worlds.

Some of the activities the students were involved with, included a bin-kicking challenge, an agility circuit, goal kicking, and a weight and strength circuit on and off the field.

Confidence and self-esteem were boosted and students could rub off the “shame” attitude, asking questions about what it would take to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. It was an enjoyment for all kids involved, and this sort of participation is the first step toward helping kids engage in competitive sport. The program also promoted good nutrition, fitness and mental health—a winning combination for a good lifestyle!

The Specky dreaming Program would like to thank KRED for their support in awarding a Nipper Tabagee Scholarship so the program could happen.

Independent Director for Ambooriny Buru Foundation and KRED Enterprises

I am very pleased to be a new independent director of the Ambooriny Burru Foundation and KRED Enterprises. The Ambooriny Burru Foundation’s strength lies in the fact that it is owned by eight native title groups in the Kimberley. Although it has only been operating for five years, there has already been a significant contribution to the regional economy and numerous new jobs created for Kimberley Aboriginal people. Looking ahead, we are hoping to create more employment opportunities for our members and to extend our start-up support for Prescribed Body Corporates. It’s our aim to become a centre of business expertise—a place that provides quality business, legal, and provide financial services to clients Australia-wide. I feel very privileged to be involved with the Ambooriny Burru Foundation and look forward to contributing my skills to assist its mission to create independent Aboriginal economic development.

It is a privilege to be involved for the benefits, as I would like to see the business grow larger for employment and opportunities for it’s members.

Jaru students build a bright future in the Pilbara

William and Kirwan Vincent with the laptop from the scholarship received from KRED Enterprises.

From the East Kimberley Jaru clan, Kirwan and William Vincent are building a bright future for themselves in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

They both attend Hedland Senior High School, which is based in South Hedland, and have applied for the Nipper Tabagee Scholarship from KRED Enterprises to assist them with their education and studies.

As part of the school curriculum, 17-year-old Kirwan is completing a Vocational Education and Training (VET) construction course at South Hedland TAFE. It’s his dream to become a professional construction worker/ builder.

His younger sibling, William Vincent, who’s 14 years of age, wants to be a qualified and professional mechanic so he can work on cars, boats and motorbikes. He is already learning from his father, who is a qualified mechanic.

The boys used the Nipper Tabagee scholarship to purchase a laptop, which means they can complete assignments and projects at school and at home. This will enable them to achieve good grades and success!

The boys said, “We would like to say a big, thankyou to KRED Enterprises for awarding us the Nipper Tabagee Scholarship and for giving us the opportunity to achieve our goals.”

The Nipper Tabagee Scholarship is available to all of KRED’s members. That is: Jaru, Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation, Yanunijarra Aboriginal Corporation, Karajarri Traditional Lands Association, Koongie Elvire, Bardi Jawi and Tjurabalan. We support the educational aspirations of our members, particularly students like William and Kirwan, who have a clear vision about their future employment. For more information, visit www.kred.org.au/scholarships.