Improving cultural understanding

The Argyle Diamond Mine is a major supporter both financially and in kind, of the Neminuwarlin Performance Group and the Jirrawun Arts Corporation. Neminuwarlin and Jirrawun, both comprising traditional owners of the Argyle land, have highlighted an important event in Australian history- the Bedford Downs Massacre- through traditional Aboriginal theatre and painting.

The Bedford Downs massacre is a chilling story, but one that we can use to learn and reinforce the message that the future lies in reconciliation.

According to oral history, around the time of World War I, a dead bullock was found on Bedford Downs Station, in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The station manager gathered together Aboriginal people from the Gija and Worla groups and sent them to a nearby town to be tried.

Declared guilty, they were forced to wear tags around their necks which highlighted their status as convicted criminals and - far worse and unbeknown to them - marking them for death. On arrival back at the station, the men were taken to the bush and ordered to chop wood, before being fed poisoned food. The wood they had chopped then became the funeral pyre for their bodies.

It is a tragic story, but the performance and exhibition that has been developed to relay it, was not created out of malice or anger. Rather it is designed to reflect on a historical event that, through its telling, can educate people and pave the way for mutual understanding and friendship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The groups has received significant interest from various international arts events and it is likely they will take their performance and exhibition to the world stage, spreading the message of tolerance and understanding.

Argyle's support for these organisations is based on the belief that respect for and understanding of an ancient culture is the way forward. Argyle is helping to build an appreciation of Aboriginal culture in creating a more sustainable future through support and encouragement of Aboriginal artists. This work is not just art and a corroboree, but rather an opportunity for an independent income.