CLIA Australasia congratulates Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has congratulated the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they become the godparents of the new expedition cruise ship Seabourn Pursuit, marking a historic first in the cruise industry.
The Wunambal Gaambera of Western Australia’s Kimberley region became the first Traditional Owners to act as godparents of a major cruise vessel at a ceremony on the weekend, highlighting a focus on preserving the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the destinations cruise ships explore. The Wunambal Gaambera are Traditional Owners of a region that includes the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay) and Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater country of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau).
CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the Wunambal Gaambera were among several Traditional Owners in Australia who were working with cruise lines to share culture with visitors while fostering tourism benefits within their communities.
“Australia’s rich Indigenous culture is being celebrated in ways that provide extraordinary experiences for cruise visitors while at the same time creating opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Mr Katz said. “The Wunambal Gaambera partnership is a great example of how cruise tourism can be harnessed by remote communities around Australia’s coast.”
As part its partnership with the Traditional Owners, Seabourn will make a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera to develop a self-sustaining industry, producing authentic works of art and craft by Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell. In addition, Seabourn will also supply the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with various art supplies to foster sustainable, commercial arts and craft initiatives, and will work alongside Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they share their Wanjina Wunggurr culture.
Contributions by cruise lines, along with funding from Tourism Western Australia, contribute to development of tourism facilities and products for Traditional Owners to live on their country during the dry season when tourism operators can access the vast coastline of the Kimberley region.
(CLIA Australasia congratulates Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners – CLIA Australasia)
