Traditional owners are supporting calls for an independent Pilbara body to liaise with mining companies

Pilbara traditional owners are supporting calls for an independent Pilbara body to liaise directly with mining companies over sacred sites in the region. Kariyarra Traditional owner Patricia Mason said the State Government had been writing the stories of Aboriginal people for too long and one voice was needed to ensure culture continued to be passed down through the generations. “They are failing to engage people and consult with people directly and they are making decisions on their own and it’s not effective. The structure is not working,” she said. “We as Pilbara people want to set a precedent that we manage and self-govern our own affairs. We need to come together as a voice.” Last month protestors filled South Hedland town square to take a stand against the revamped Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill. Aboriginal Affair Minister Stephen Dawson said the establishment of the new $10 million Local Aboriginal Heritage Services would cater to the specific needs of Aboriginal groups across the State. “LACHS will be the go-to groups to help negotiate and facilitate agreement-making on land-use proposals,” he said.