The women were able to learn about what support is available and discuss serious issues impacting them across the region.In the heart of Gooniyandi country, nestled between the Emanuel Range and the Lawford Range, hundreds of Kimberley women gathered at Mimbi Caves to discuss culture this week.
"Getting those old ground roots activities back, how old people used to do the healing, you know, with mums and bubs … going out on country for healing, bush medicine and stuff." The 16th target for the national Closing the Gap agreement is to strengthen cultures and languages, and bolster Indigenous language and reach by 2031."It fails to recognise the centrality of cultural determinants like language across the Priority Reforms and socio-economic outcomes," the review said.Ms Bedford said many challenges faced by Indigenous Australians led back to a disconnection to culture, especially for younger generations.
Event organisers said teaching women's crafts and arts was an important aspect of the event and a means of passing on knowledge.Cherry Smiler ran a bush soap-making event, which she said was important to pass on to younger ladies so they could heal in a traditional way."We use it and share it with other ladies.Ms Smiler described the Kimberley as a "pharmacy", and passing on the practice kept culture alive and encouraged younger people to be proud of their culture.