Special places

Mimal cares for many kinds of special places.

Some are where we feel close to our old people who lived there for thousands of years. There are places that have strong meaning for families for hunting, camping and taking their children to get that special feeling for country. These are our places and people who are not connected to that country should always ask and show respect for the landowners and their djungkayi.

We have sacred places. Some that only men who have gone through ceremony can visit. Some are places special for women. Others are open for men, women and children to visit with proper respect and feel the presence of the spirit ancestors. We have places with rock art that is sacred and restricted as well as rock art that everyone can look at. We also have places where our old people are buried — in our communities and also in the rock country.

Old people used to have places where they would go to talk to the country and make more animals breed up and fill the country. This cultural practice and knowledge of our special places has been lost. Landowners and djungkayi work with Mimal and our rangers to help protect our special places and the knowledge that goes with them. Rangers can watch out for wrong people going onto special places — balanda pig shooters, tourists and even balanda who work in our communities who don’t understand the importance of always asking and showing respect.

GOAL: In 2027 sacred places will be actively protected, illegal access controlled and families will have improved access to their special places, which will be safe and clean.