For Country rich in traditional ecological knowledge, languages, art and cultural practices
First Nations peoples of Australia keep alive one the oldest continuing cultures in the world. Arnhem Land was one of the last regions in Australia to be colonised and, as such, Bininj (Indigenous people of this region) have maintained much of their distinct norms, values and belief systems. These have evolved alongside the changing landscape to maintain long-term balance and sustainability. There are still living Elders who grew up on Country prior to, or at the time of, colonisation.
The distinct cultural heritage of Bininj remains evident today in a regional kinship system, diverse languages, shared Dreaming tracks, Songlines and creation stories that are often performed in ceremonies, songs and dances. The physical presence of this heritage can be seen in artworks and material culture, artefacts and local archives, and across the landscape in a network of sacred places, early occupation sites and extraordinary rock art galleries - considered the richest collection of undocumented rock art in the world. Today’s Bininj ascribe great emotional significance to these places, practices and the stories they hold, which are deeply interconnected with the land, identity and wellbeing.
Mimal Wulken by Renae Saxby
There is a real and imminent threat that this immense body of knowledge and culture will be lost forever. With minimal support for homeland communities, Traditional Owners struggle to physically access their Country to carry out cultural practices and provide customary care. Elders are running out of time to pass on their wealth of knowledge and the oral histories of countless generations. Every dry season is punctuated by regular funerals and deep loss.
There are very few funding sources available to undertake the critical work of documenting and safeguarding the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of First Nations peoples, amassed over more than 650 centuries of continuous practice. KKT is dedicated to supporting First Nations organisations in projects and activities led by cultural leaders and knowledge holders to keep alive their rich and thriving Bininj culture; one that all Australians can take pride in and learn from.
The Karrkad Kanjdji Trust supports vital community-led projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage and actively passing down Indigenous ecological knowledge to the next generation.
Discover more of what we do
Protecting and Preserving
Bim (Rock Art)
There are estimated to be more than 30,000 rock art sites across the Warddeken IPA, painted in a style unique to the region and using materials sourced from the land. Today, the Nawarddeken people remain the original archaeologists of this art and the archivists of the living knowledge connected to it.
Languages of West
and Central Arnhem Land
Introducing the work of our newest partner organisation, the Bininj Kunwok Regional Language and Culture Centre
