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...

Broome Museum

Broome stories

The Broome Historical Museum reveals the character and history of the unique, multicultural town of Broome, dubbed 'the pearling capital of the world.' Originally housed in the Old Broome Lockup the...

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...

Yu Family Historical Display

Hidden treasure

A hidden treasure in the heart of Broome's Chinatown, the Yu Family Historical Display can be found housed in the upstairs rooms that sit over their Sung Ming restaurant in what Broome locals used to...

Kununurra Museum

Kununurra stories

For a town that was only gazetted in 1961, the Kununurra Museum has amassed an amazing amount of information, objects and stories about the town and the history of the surrounding region. From 2,000...