Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 8770) was formed as a Registered Native Title Body Corporate in 2019 to hold the Nyamal People’s Native Title rights and interests in trust.
Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation is pivotal in progressing the broader interests of the Nyamal people and in representing us in our dealings with all other parties including government, researchers, pastoralists and the mining sector.
‘Nyamal go back before we born, before father and grannies born. Nyamal been around forever…Nyamal People, Nyamal Country, long as anyone knows…Whole lot, we all Nyamal from Nullagine all up this way down Warrawagine, old people right back (to) Callwa, Carlindie, lallarook, Eginbah, Marble Bar, Yarrie, everywhere…’
Nyamal is our language, land, law and people. Nyamal people have been here since the kapukarri (dreamtime) when the manguny (ancestral beings) created the physical features of the land, put the Nyamal people and language in the land, and laid down the laws to govern the ngayarta (people) and how we behave. Our Country is alive with the spirits of our ancestors and of our manguny. They inhabit the land and watch and interact with ngayarta when we are on Country.
Our people suffered a lot from the wayapala (whitefellas) coming. Disruptions to the lives of our forebears came from conflicts with settlers, the introduction of new diseases, restrictions on their movement and activities and the loss of our bush resources from pastoralism and mining activities. Still most Nyamal people remained on Nyamal Country with families ending up on stations or at mining centres. Nyamal people never stopped travelling around the Country, visiting people and places, hunting, using our bush resources and passing knowledge about the land onto our children.
Today some Nyamal people live on Nyamal Country at Goodabinya and Marble Bar, but most live in Port Hedland, Yandeyarra, Perth and further afield. Even those that live away come back to camp, fish, hunt and spend time on Country on weekends and holidays.
European exploration of Nyamal territory began.
Establishment of pastoral leases and mining activities after the gold discovery in the 1880s.
Most of Nyamal Country is under pastoral lease, as mining centres, or prospecting area. For pastoral leases at this time, it was used for sheep grazing and during subsequent decades for cattle.
As the pastoral industry declined, station landholdings were consolidated. During this period, many mine sites across Nyamal Country were established including Woodie Woodie manganese mine.
The ‘second strike’ some call it, another strike for independence. Nyamal and other riverline and coastal peoples, led by Nyamal man Putangaja / Ernie Mitchell and his second, Kangkushot/Peter Coppin, went on to re-establish a community at Yandeyarra.
Large-scale mining began within Nyamal Country. Iron ore mining commenced at Yarrie and Nimingarra, while gold mining started at Warrawoona, formerly known as Bamboo Creek, near Marble Bar. This era marked the expansion of the mining industry in the region.
The first claim for Native Title was submitted by Nyamal Traditional Owners – two years after the ground-breaking Eddie Mabo case was won in the High Court.
The Western Australian government purchased Meentheena Station due to the significant natural and cultural values in the area. This marked an important step toward environmental and cultural preservation within Nyamal Country.
The Nimingarra iron ore mine ceased operations, reflecting the ongoing shifts in the mining landscape of Nyamal Country.
The Federal Court formally recognised Nyamal Native Title rights over nearly 35,000 square kilometres of our Country (Ngura). This recognition took place at Shaw River, approximately 100 kilometres east of Port Hedland.
The iron ore and molybdenum mine at Coppins Gap/Spinifex Ridge ceased production. However, interest in mining within the region continues, particularly for critical minerals used in emerging technologies.
Yarrie iron ore mine closed after decades of operation. Meanwhile, the Meentheena Station area was officially declared a joint-vested Conservation Estate and National Park, known as Purungunya. Nyamal are working to establish an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) covering Purungunya and 3,500 square kilometres of surrounding unallocated crown land.
Mining operations continue at Miralga Creek and Iron Bridge, with exploration for critical minerals ongoing across Nyamal Country. The Sulphur Springs project, currently under development, aims to extract copper, zinc, lead, silver, and gold. Lithium mining is also active at Pilangoora.
With the growing global demand for critical minerals needed for renewable energy, defense, space, telecommunications, and transportation, there are increased mining interests for Nyamal Country. Government support for exploration and extraction continues, requiring more consultation with Nyamal communities. As applications for new mining projects rise, ensuring community involvement in these complex processes is essential to balance development with the protection of environmentally sensitive and culturally significant areas.
Much of Nyamal Country also remains under active pastoral lease.
“We’ve just got this Country given back to us…We want to have a say on our Country, we want to have leadership on our Country, and with everything we do on Country.”
The Council of Elders consists of senior Nyamal people who are recognised by the Nyamal community under Nyamal Lore and Custom as the traditional holders of decision-making authority and cultural knowledge. Their deep understanding of Nyamal Lore, traditions, and practices ensures the continuation of our cultural heritage.
The role of the Council of Elders is enshrined in our Rule Book, and their guidance is invaluable to the Corporation. They provide oversight and advice to the Board of Directors on crucial matters such as Nyamal lore and custom, native title, language preservation, cultural heritage, and the protection of our Country.
Their wisdom helps guide our decisions and ensures that the Corporation remains aligned with the values and traditions of Nyamal people.
We acknowledge and thank the Elders who have come before us, their deep connection to our Country and their enduring cultural heritage. We honour their strength, wisdom, and vision that has been passed on to Nyamal people.
Biddy NormanJoe Taylor SnrMarlene TaylorTeena TaylorDudley CoppinMichael TaylorTony TaylorDoris EatonNora CookeUrsula WilsonHarry NormanLinda MitchellPeta PiantaMavis WestermanLinda Doogiebee-Dridi
Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from our Family Groups. The Board plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Corporation, ensuring that it operates in line with the needs and aspirations of the Nyamal people. The Board operates under the guidance of a Board Charter and Rule Book, which empower them to make informed decisions regarding the strategic direction of the Corporation. Through their leadership, the Board ensures that the Corporation continues to serve and advocate for the Nyamal community in a way that is culturally respectful and sustainable.
Nyamal Aboriginal Corporation is managed by a strong team with extensive experience in effective delivery of economic, social and community outcomes.