Our History
Our History
60,000 YEARS AGO
Traditional Heritage & Practices: The Gumatj clan, part of the Yolŋu people, have inhabited North East Arnhem Land for over 60 thousand years. Their society is organised around complex kinship systems and seasonal movements and deep understanding of the land.
60,000 YEARS AGO
Cultural vitality: The Gumatj clan of the Yolŋu people lived with a profound cultural connection to the land, intricate trade networks, sophisticated land management, complex social constructs and innovative construction while living in harmony with nature.
18TH CENTURY
Macassan trade begins: Macassan traders from Sulawesi (Indonesia) begin interactions with the Yolŋu people, including the Gumatj clan, initiating trade of trepang (sea cucumber). These interactions introduce metal tools and new economic opportunities, enriching the cultural exchange.
18TH CENTURY
Macassan trade expands: Trade between the Macassans and Yolŋu expands to goods including cloth, tobacco, metal, tools and canoes. This significantly boosted the local economy and introduced new goods & technologies.
19TH CENTURY
Importance of the Macassan relationship: The interactions with the Macassans enriched Yolŋu culture, with language, customs, art, religion and culinary influences still evident today. This relationship was deep and intertwined which demonstrates the Yolŋu’s long-standing connection to and sovereignty over their lands.
1935
Methodist Missionaries Arrive: Methodist missionaries establish a mission at Yirrkala, impacting the religious and social structure of the Gumatj and other local clans by introducing Christianity and Western education methods. This assimilation was forced on Yolŋu people without their consent.
1938
Missions influence Yolŋu culture: This mission was one of the last built in Australia, and they leveraged learnings of earlier missions on the importance of mutual respect. Missionaries set out to achieve economic prosperity while preserving the Aboriginal culture resulting in a duality existing between the benefits and struggles.
1942
Military Impact of WW2: World War II sees the Northern Territory become a significant military staging point. The construction of airfields and other infrastructure brings profound changes to the traditional lands of the Gumatj, with long-term environmental and social impacts. Yolŋu people could enlist in the army for the first time and hundreds served during WW2.
1951
Development of Bauxite Mine begins: Establishment of the bauxite mine and the town of Nhulunbuy following a lease to Nabalco drastically changed the landscape and livelihoods of the Gumatj people. This triggers widespread resistance among the Yolŋu clans.
1963
Bark Petition Signed: Yolŋu leaders from Yirrkala, including members of the Gumatj clan, send the Bark Petitions to the Australian Parliament. These petitions argue against the mining lease on grounds of inadequate consultation over land rights, marking a landmark in Indigenous legal advocacy.
1971
Bauxite mine opens: When the bauxite mine opened in Gove, many Indigenous Yolŋu people felt a deep sense of loss and frustration, as the development encroached on their traditional lands, disrupted their cultural practices, and was initiated without their full consent or proper consultation.
1976
Aboriginal Land Rights: The passing of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976, influenced by the advocacy efforts of the Gumatj and other Yolŋu clans, acknowledges Aboriginal Australians' rights to claim land in the Northern Territory.
1988
Gunyangara Relocation: The Gumatj clan, led by senior members, relocates to Gunyangara (Ski Beach) to establish a community settlement focused on cultural preservation away from the mining activities at Nhulunbuy.
1991
First Garma Festival hosted: In Yolŋu language, Garma means “two-way learning process” and launched as an opportunity for Yolŋu clans to come together to discuss their future, self determination and health of their people. Garma has been hosted on Gumatj land since its inception.
1992
Mining Negotiations Commence: The Gumatj begin formal negotiations with mining companies, demanding a direct say in the environmental management of their traditional lands, leading to better protection measures for sacred sites.
2007
Gumatj Corporation Established: Gumatj Corporation opens to manage economic benefits derived from land use agreements with mining companies, and building opportunities separate from royalties. This initiative marks a shift towards greater economic autonomy and community-led development.
2010
Opening of Gulkula Mine: In a historic move, the Gumatj clan under leadership figures including Djawa Yunupingu, initiate the first indigenous-owned mining operation in partnership with Rio Tinto, setting a precedent for Indigenous corporate management in Australia.
2011
Agreement with Rio Tinto signed: Rio Tinto signed the Gove Traditional Owners Agreement with the Gumatj, Rirratjingu and Galpu. This was the first time a mining company in Australia had signed an agreement of this kind, which provided mutual benefits including economic development, employment & training, land & environmental management, royalties, protection of cultural & significant sites and contracting business opportunities.
2014
Launch of Delta Reef Gumatj: Delta Reef Gumatj is formed to deliver construction and maintenance services to the region, diversifying Gumatj Corporation and providing jobs to Yolŋu people.
2017
Ngarrariyal Gumatj opens: Ngarrariyal is established to oversee the lease management of Gunyangara to best service the Yolŋu locals that reside on the island. This is a historic moment as the Gumatj people have ownership over decision rights about what happens on their land.
2020
First rocket launched at the Arnhem Space Centre: Gumatj Corporation negotiate with the Australian Space Agency to establish a launch site on Gumatj land, aimed at bringing cutting-edge technology and further economic opportunities to the community. The first rocket was launched by NASA.
2022
Landmark Native Title Court Decision: Gumatj won an ongoing court case which ruled in favour of Gumatj for compensation claims against the government taking land to build the mine and the negative impacts that had on the region.
2023
24th Annual Garma Festival: Garma Festival is hosted for the 24th time on Gumatj land, which has become a significant cultural and political event, drawing national and international attention to Yolŋu cultures and serving as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and education.
2024
Preparation for post mining economy: As the Rio Tinto mine is set to close in 2030, the Gumatj clan and corporation expands operations in other sectors such as construction, maintenance, engineering, tourism and local services.
FUTURE
Future vision for Gumatj: Under the leadership Board Chairman, Djawa, the Gumatj clan continues to focus on strategic projects. The community strives to balance modern economic opportunities with the preservation and celebration of their rich cultural heritage, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for the Gumatj people.