Kalyuku Ninti 2022

KJ Kalyuku Ninti trips are transformative return to Country journeys that bear the essence of family pilgrimages to sacred places. These expeditions not only provide an opportunity for cultural reproduction but also serve as a foundation for extensive environmental engagement. Kalyuku Ninti, meaning "knowledge of waterholes," reflects the core wisdom that elders must impart to the younger Martu generation, ensuring the preservation of their rich cultural heritage necessary for the continued prosperity of their traditions and the sustainable stewardship of their ancestral lands.

The significance of these journeys lies in the transmission of cultural knowledge deeply intertwined with specific locations. The true depth of understanding and experience of these sacred places can only be fully realized in their physical presence.

In 2022, a remarkable Kalyuku Ninti trip took place, with 100 individuals traveling across Martu country in 24 vehicles for 12 days. For many Martu, it was an incredibly emotional experience, as it marked their first encounter with this ancestral land, intensifying their connection to the footsteps of their grandparents. Martu gained a deeper understanding of their heritage and strengthened their identity and sense of belonging.