Wangka Maya Aboriginal Language Centre Overview

Wangka Maya Aboriginal Language Centre

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Keeping language strong

Servicing over 30 language groups of the Pilbara, Wangka Maya was the first Aboriginal language centre in the north. Established in 1987, elders committed to preserving their language, culture and story for their young people. Wangka Maya remains a dynamic community centre that is also the regional ‘Link Up’ centre connecting those of the ‘stolen generation’ to their families and language. Wangka Maya celebrates landmarks of Aboriginal history of their region through exhibitions and productions that honour the struggles of the people, to maintain their dignity and culture, and to ensure that the injustices and struggles of the past are not forgotten.

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Address:

Cnr Hamilton and Throssell Roads
South Hedland WA 6722
Australia

Tel:

(08) 9172 2344

Email:

manager@wangkamaya.org.au

Opening Hours

Mon to Fri 8:30am – 4:30 pm

Poster from the 1946 Pilbara Strike

Longstanding fight for rights

After years of injustices and being treated like slaves, in 1946 station workers of the Pilbara and southern Kimberley staged a strike to fight for better wages and conditions. It was a remarkable...

Photograph by Tobias Titz, from the 1967 referendum exhibition, The Right to be Heard

Remembering the 1967 Referendum

Engaging with the younger generation to reflect on the past struggles of Aboriginal people is key to Wangka Maya’s philosophy. Using the medium of photography the organisation co-curated an exhibition...

Clapsticks and spear thrower

Culture and language

The resonant sound of wooden clapping sticks conjures images of dancing on the red earth of the north. Sitting alongside this beautifully engraved spear thrower in a cabinet at the entrance to Wangka...

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts

One big mob altogether so that our grandchildren’s, children’s children will know their culture.

The artists say, ‘This place - it’s a good art centre!’ And it is. In the heart of Miriwoong country the Centre is focused on maintaining and passing on culture through dance, story and painting to...

Cossack Museum

WA's first pearling port

Located on the beautiful banks of the Harding River, the Cossack Museum is housed in the old courthouse, now resurrected from the abandoned port town of Cossack. As Perth was developing into the state...

Neil and Judy Baker Shell Collection Overview

Murujuga - Nganjarli walk trail

Hip-bone-sticking-out: Welcome to Murujuga

Nganjarli (Deep Gorge) trail is the first public walk to welcome visitors to the people, culture and rock art of the Murujuga National Park, which is proposed as a world heritage site. Opened in 2021...

Pearl Luggers by Willie Creek

A real pearler

At the Pearl Luggers, now part of Willie Creek Pearls, you will discover the rich and fascinating history of pearling in Broome and be captivated by the tales of the sea, the people, and the legends...