KJ honoured with ATSE Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award
KJ Martu Rangers Carol and Emilisha Williams travelled from their remote Pilbara community of Parnngurr to Melbourne to accept the 2024 Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award. The award was presented at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Awards Gala Dinner, where the Rangers represented KJ.
This important award recognises the collaboration between Martu Elders, KJ Martu Rangers, Dr. Fiona Walsh, and The University of Western Australia. By combining traditional Martu knowledge with scientific research the study unlocked the mystery of ‘fairy circles’ and revealed the secrets of linyji (termite pavements) in the Western Deserts.
These bare spots, scattered across the Western Deserts and covering 18% of Australia, have long puzzled scientists. Previously thought to be the result of spinifex plants competing for water and nutrients, the study revealed that these circles are linyji pavements—the ngurra (home) of spinifex termites.
Linyji hold deep cultural and practical significance for Martu. Traditionally, Martu used these termite-made areas as a food source by collecting Warturnuma (flying termites) to eat. They also used the hard, flat surfaces for cleaning seeds, making resin, and as a water source after heavy rains. This last feature, unknown to scientists until Martu shared their knowledge, creates vital oases in the desert, particularly helpful to mulyamiji (great desert skinks) during their breeding season.
At the ATSE Awards Gala, KJ Martu Ranger Carol shared stories about the linyji project, which she has been working on since 2016. She explained how this traditional knowledge is passed down through generations and spoke about both her grandmothers, from whom she learned her knowledge and who she knew would be very proud of her. Carol also highlighted her responsibility to teach younger Martu, including her niece Emilisha, about the importance of linyji, helping to keep this knowledge strong for future generations.
