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...

Collection of Pilbara languages

A library of languages

Amassing an impressive array of dictionaries, story books and multi-media productions of 31 Pilbara Aboriginal languages, Wangka Maya is working towards achieving its goal of keeping these languages...

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...

Cygnet Bay Pearls

Growing pearls

More than a ‘pearl shop’, Cygnet Bay Pearls reveals the history of pearling in Broome and the mysteries of how pearls are made. With films, impressive displays and live tours, visitors are taken step...

Town of Port Hedland - South Hedland Public Library Overview

South Hedland Library - local studies collection

A community space – a space for community

A young girl, cast in bronze, sitting on a wooden bench reading her book, welcomes visitors to the South Hedland library. In the ‘new’ town of South Hedland, the library quietly weaves together the...

Dalgety House Museum

Home of the Dalgety manager

Once the centre of town, the former Dalgety managers’ residence now houses Port Hedland Historical Society’s Dalgety House Museum. Dalgety House is adorned with lattice and louvered windows, and has...

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...