Please explain a little bit about who you are and what you do as an Aboriginal cultural guide in Broome.
I am a Yawuru man of the Broome region in the Kimberley of Western Australia and I offer a variety of experiences that blends the beauty of the region with its unique and fascinating history and culture of the Aboriginal people!
What got you started as an Aboriginal cultural guide and what do you find most interesting about it?
I was one of two Emerging Curators in my previous employment and was involved in several curatorial projects that stimulated my curiosities and so I developed a passion for history and the survival of my Aboriginal culture and language. This led me to start my tourism operations. The most interesting part of it is that I actually have a direct link to our amazing history in Broome and that my culture is embedded within the landscape of Broome so I truly have a deeper connection with all my experiences that I offer.
How do you bring Aboriginal culture to life on your tours?
I think of myself as a ‘curator out on country’ and that the natural and built environment is my museum. By using historical documents and Aboriginal story telling / oral history I am able to give my guests a true understanding of who and what we are as a people and when and where certain historical events took place.
Why do you think it’s important that people learn about Aboriginal culture?
I think Domestic and International visitors in Australia are becoming more and more curious about our ancient Aboriginal culture and I believe it is our responsibility as Aboriginal people to provide opportunities for these visitors to learn about us! I always say that this is ‘reconciliation’ in practice!
If people wanted to find out more about Aboriginal Culture are there any particular books, documentaries or websites you would recommend?
Broome has been well documented over the past 140 years but there are some stand out books about our Aboriginal people and story including – Lustre- Pearling and Australia
Gularabulu
Reading the Country
Once in Broome
This is My Word
Yawuru Cultural Management Plan
Re-imagining Australia
www.bates.org.au
www.yawuru.com
www.goolarri.com
What’s your favourite Australian animal and why?
The Black Kite because there are many in Broome and they have an affinity with fire like myself.
What place is Australia’s best-kept secret?
The Dinosaur Coast of the West Kimberley region!
What haven’t you seen / done in Australia that you’d like to and why?
I would like to see more of the east coast of Australia because I haven’t spent much time exploring there and understanding the Aboriginal cultures for that coastline!
Finally, how can people follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/narlijia/
https://www.facebook.com/narlijia/