Yinhawangka People and Rio Tinto partner to co-design ‘Living Cultures Program'

The Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, has entered into a partnership with mining company Rio Tinto to create the "Living Cultures Program." This initiative aims to protect, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Yinhawangka People.

The Yinhawangka People are the traditional owners of the lands where Rio Tinto operates its iron ore mines in the Pilbara region. This collaboration marks an important step towards reconciliation between the corporation and the Indigenous community, recognizing the significance of their cultural heritage and the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of the Yinhawangka community.

The Living Cultures Program is designed to provide opportunities for the Yinhawangka People to share their knowledge, stories, and traditions with the wider community, as well as with Rio Tinto employees. This includes workshops, cultural training sessions, and educational programs that will help foster a deeper understanding of the Yinhawangka culture among the workforce and the general public.

The partnership also includes the development of a cultural center, which will serve as a hub for the preservation and celebration of the Yinhawangka culture. This center will provide a space for the community to come together, share their stories, and pass on their traditions to future generations.

Rio Tinto has committed to investing AUD 10 million over ten years in the Living Cultures Program, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the Yinhawangka People and their cultural heritage. This investment will help ensure that the Yinhawangka community remains at the heart of the partnership, driving the direction of the program and shaping its outcomes.

The Living Cultures Program is an important step towards reconciliation between the Yinhawangka People and Rio Tinto, recognizing the significance of cultural heritage in the lives of Indigenous communities and the importance of supporting their ongoing health, wellbeing, and connection to their land. By working together, the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto are creating a lasting legacy that will benefit the community for generations to come.

The partnership between the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto is an example of how businesses can work with Indigenous communities to create mutually beneficial partnerships that respect and promote cultural heritage, while also contributing to the economic development of the region. This approach not only helps to build stronger relationships between Indigenous communities and the wider society but also contributes to the ongoing process of reconciliation in Australia.