Meaningful Connections – The Wunambal Gaambera Tribe – Australia
An ancient landscape covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, the Kimberley in Western Australia, is one of the world’s most precious wilderness regions featuring horizontal waterfalls, unique wildlife, freshwater swimming holes, and sandy beaches. The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of a region there that includes the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay) and Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater country of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau). Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Their rich cultural history and deep connection to the land and sea, as well as their established sustainable tourism initiatives along the Kimberley Coast, make them a natural fit for Seabourn Pursuit. The Tribe will offer guests a unique Uunguu Experience – sharing their Wanjina Wunggurr culture through welcome and smoking ceremonies; rock art tours; junba song and dance; and art and stories from the Uunguu Rangers looking after and keeping the country healthy.
Did You Know…
The Kimberley is the last wild frontier. It is renowned for its dramatic scenery including rugged mountain ranges, deep gorges, vast savannas, boab trees, and unique rock formations. Key landmarks include the Bungle Bungle Range, the Mitchell Falls, and the King George Falls.
The region is home to some of the world’s oldest rock art, created by the indigenous people over thousands of years. Sites like the Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art are significant cultural treasures which give us insights into the past and the richness of human culture.
Several indigenous groups, including the Wunambal Gaambera tribe, call The Kimberley home. Their culture is deeply connected to the land, and they have a rich tradition of storytelling, art, and ceremonial practices.