Building strong Martu communities
Established, led and driven by Martu, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa is empowering Martu to:
Look after culture and Country
Build a viable economy in Martu communities
Build pathways for young Martu to a healthy future
“It’s good because it belongs to all of us Martu, it belongs to all of the people. It is our organisation. It does what we want and need to do. It listens to Martu and grows with us. We try new programs and keep growing. KJ listens to Martu. It comes from Martu. We grow up our young people and teach them how to learn about companies, so we know how to understand the mainstream world. The young ones are growing to be strong in both worlds.”
Our Programs
Our programs designed by Martu deliver significant cultural, environmental, social and economic gains to Martu communities.
“Martu created Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ). Martu said what work it should do. Martu were walking around with not much work in the communities before KJ. Some went to work with KJ. They got work, they got good money, they got knowledge, they got strong. The feeling inside, their spirit is happy and strong.”
We are Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ)
Founded in 2005 and incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation operating as a company limited by guarantee in 2009, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) is dedicated to building sustainable Martu communities.
KJ is led by Martu, the Traditional Custodians of a vast area in the Western Desert of the East Pilbara. We work hand in hand with the communities to preserve Martu culture, build stronger communities, and achieve positive outcomes.
We deliver an integrated suite of programs that provide significant social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits to Martu. All of our programs are based on Martu culture, priorities and aspirations to go back to Country, to teach young people about their culture and to look after Country.
We believe in cultivating strong and lasting partnerships with stakeholders and mainstream agencies, working together to generate innovative and culturally resonant solutions. Through our collective efforts and shared visions, we can enact meaningful change that empowers Martu and strengthens their communities for the future.
Together we are creating measurable impact
SROI from our on-Country programs
Martu employed during FY23/24
524
3:1
$3,443,814
48%
Paid in Martu wages during FY23/24
Martu employed during FY23/24 were female
Together we are creating stories that inspire
A new generation of Rangers
A new generation of KJ Martu Jigalong Rangers has emerged, bringing the generational cycle full circle!
Returning to Country
“There’s nothing there (in town) for you. You need to see your Country.”
Working on his father’s Country
This was KJ Martu Jigalong Ranger Grant’s first time working on this Country, and it felt like a homecoming for him.
“This is your Country too”
KJ Martu Kunawarritji Ranger Elliot proudly told his baby girl Lavina, showing her the Country of his jamu (grandfather), his mother’s father.
Our Partners
Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa would like to gratefully acknowledge the following funding bodies, partners and supporters. Thank you — we could not exist without your support!
