On November 8, 2024, Djukun Traditional Owners and Broome community members gathered once again at Yinarra (Entrance Point) to protest against the construction of a $200 million floating jetty on Djukun Country. Despite being recognised as Native Title Holders of the Country on which the jetty is to be constructed, the Djukun were not consulted about the project, and it was approved by the Yawuru Native Title Holders Aboriginal Corporation Prescribed Body Corporate (Yawuru PBC). The exclusion of the Djukun Traditional Owners from the entire approval process raises critical concerns about transparency, fairness, and respect for Djukun rights.

On November 6th, 2024, Djukun traditional owners gathered at Yinarra, known as Entrance Point, to protest against a development that has sparked a strong outcry from the community. The Yawuru Native Title Holders Aboriginal Corporation Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) approved the construction of a $200 million floating jetty on Yinarra Reef, an area sacred to the Djukun people, without consulting the Djukun traditional owners. This action, taken with no input from the Djukun, symbolises the struggle faced by Indigenous groups whose lands and heritage sites are jeopardised by industrial expansion, often without their consent.

Simpson Beach, a picturesque stretch on the Broome Peninsula, holds an irreplaceable place in the hearts and cultural heritage of the Djukun people, who have called it home for thousands of years. Recently, this tranquil beach has gained increased attention on social media, drawing more visitors and raising awareness of its natural beauty and cultural importance. However, a new government-funded sign has recently appeared on-site, marking the area with the name “Nagulan Julan.” This change, introduced by the Yawuru Native Title Holders Aboriginal Corporation (Yawuru PBC) in collaboration with government agencies, has been implemented without consultation with the Djukun Traditional Owners.

On 18th October 2024, I - Jaala Ozies, Djukun woman formally requested the South Australian Museum to remove a harmful and inaccurate statement from their website. The statement, which claims ,"This tribe virtually is extinct", refers to the Djukun people and perpetuates a false narrative of cultural extinction. I have also highlighted the incorrect spelling of "Djukun" as "Djugun," which further misrepresents the Djukun community. 

For the Djukun people, like other clans in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Our cultural practices are sacred and deeply tied to the spiritual wellbeing of the land and its people. One of the most significant ceremonies we conduct is the smoking ceremony, traditionally performed at births and deaths. This practice, passed down through the generations, is an ancient and essential cultural obligation. It is not simply a ritual but a means of maintaining the balance and harmony of Djukun Country, and it has been performed since time immemorial.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Cain Andrews, a journalist from the Broome Advertiser, to discuss the overwhelming national response to our petition to protect Billingooroo. The petition, which calls for a permanent ban on vehicles driving across the beaches and sand dunes of Djukun Country, has garnered immense support. During the interview, I outlined the reasons behind this call and the cultural significance of preserving these sacred landscapes.

Yinara, known to many as Entrance Point, holds immense significance for the Djukun Traditional Owners of Djukun country. This coastal gem, located on the Jirr-ngin-ngan (Broome) Peninsula, boasts a stunning reef ecosystem and a rich cultural history that deserves protection.

On Monday, 23rd September 2024, the Protecting Billingooroo petition received much-needed media attention, as I was interviewed by Campbell Greaves, a reporter from 7News Regional Western Australia. This coverage marked a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect Billingooroo, a sacred site on Djukun Country, and preserve the natural environment and the vulnerable flatback turtles that nest on its shores. As a Djukun woman, this campaign is personal, not only for me but for the entire Djukun Nation, as we work to safeguard our cultural heritage and environment for future generations.

On behalf of my Djukun Elders, I took on a mission that was close to our hearts: to help protect Billingooroo, a sacred site on Djukun Country, by advocating to permanently close Cable Beach (North) in Broome to vehicles. This iconic beach known to the Djukun people as Billingooroo, is not only a place of breathtaking beauty but also a site of deep cultural significance and ecological importance. For the Djukun, Billingooroo is a sacred site, and it is where the Goolibel—turtles in the Djukun language—come to lay their eggs.

At 82 years old, Hassan Fabian Bin Nasir from the Minyirr Djukun Clan stands as a living testament to resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of the Djukun Nation. As the oldest living Djukun descendant, Fabian is at the forefront of a remarkable mission to revive the Djukun language—a sleeping language that he is determined to awaken. His dedication to this cause is as personal as it is cultural, rooted in a lifetime of experiences that have shaped his commitment to preserving his heritage.

This story unfolds in the remote coastal town of Broome, Western Australia, known to the Djukun Traditional Owners as Jirr'ngin-ngan. The town has become a focal point of the continuing struggle for Indigenous rights. A petition was initiated by the Djukun people to protect Billingooroo. However, this call to action has exposed the deep-seated racism that exists within the community.

Cable Beach, with its stunning sunsets and pristine sands, is a world-renowned destination that draws thousands of visitors to Broome each year. However, what many may not realise is that this iconic beach, known to the Djukun people as Billingooroo, is not only a place of breathtaking beauty but also a site of deep cultural significance and ecological importance. For the Djukun, Billingooroo is a sacred site, and it is where the Goolibel—turtles in the Djukun language—come to lay their eggs. 

The Kimberley region, known for its stunning landscapes and deep cultural significance, is under threat from fracking. Yisah Bin Omar, a Djukun woman, is supporting the Frack Free Kimberley campaign to protect this precious and unique environment. In an interview, she shared her perspective on the importance of the Kimberley, the dangers of climate change, and the urgent need to ban fracking in Western Australia.

During NAIDOC Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I had the opportunity to interview Samantha Wyborn, an inspiring Aboriginal artist. This year’s theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, loud and proud,’ resonates deeply with Samantha, who balances her full-time role at Main Roads WA as an Aboriginal Stakeholder Engagement Advisor with her art business.

When I was a child, dad said to us, “use your nilabub.” Nilabub is the Djukun word for ear. We were stubborn children, and his words of wisdom stood the test of time. He taught me how to properly use my nilabub - to listen with intent.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ndaba Mandela the Grandson of Nelson Mandela. We had an important and meaningful dialogue about community, collective resilience, self-determination, solidarity and the power of the of the people to bring about change. He had some inspiring words for the Djukun Nation. He was eager to learn about Djukun Nation and we had a short exchange in the Djukun Language. Ndaba encouraged the Djukun Nation to unite and to support each other in our language revitalisation, reclamation of our culture and our identity. 

Mary Ozies, a Djukun woman of unwavering determination and resilience, sat comfortably in the studio of ABC Radio, ready to share her remarkable journey with the world. The host Vanessa Mills, with a warm smile, introduced Mary as a mental health advocate, mother, educator, and a person whose life was a tapestry of diverse experiences.

I am writing on behalf of the Djukun Nation to vehemently object to the proposed extension of the Broome Wharf. Our objection is deeply rooted in the ancestral knowledge and ancient history that the proposed area holds. It is not merely reef and sea; it is a direct link to the cultural heritage and history of the Djukun Nation.

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Djukun Nation's ambitious project to revitalise our language. With the goal of reviving 50 fundamental words, this initiative marks a significant step in the preservation and celebration of our cultural heritage.

In an enlightening conversation on ABC Kimberley's breakfast program, hosted by Vanessa Mills on 9th February 2024, I shared my passionate journey towards revitalizing the Djukun language. I'm a Djukun woman from Broome, I have been dedicating all my spare time, alongside pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Queensland, to breathe life into a language that whispers the echoes of my ancestry.