The Saltwater People

Irvine Island is part of the traditional lands of the Mayala – the Saltwater people of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia.

Mayala people travelled between the islands of King Sound on log rafts – stable craft designed for short distance travel and seafood hunting.

Irvine Island is part of the Yampi Sound Port area set aside as shipping zone for iron ore exports from neighbouring Koolan and Cockatoo Islands.

The three islands are part of the Buccaneer Archipelago which stretches along much of the north west coast of the Kimberley. These are the only places the 800 islands of the archipelago where economic iron ore deposits have been discovered.

Mayala people lived on their islands for countless generations. Although Irvine Island was never inhabited, it was a place of cultural importance.

The island remains significant to the traditional owners for fishing, seafood hunting, stories, song cycles and ceremonial occasions. It is a place for men only, significant in Aboriginal law.

Mayala people lodged a Native Title claim on their traditional lands in 1998. The claim has been recognised by Pluton.

Apart from its cultural significance, the island is potentially economically significant to the community. It is expected to make a significant difference to the community by generating jobs, business opportunities and community development projects, once an iron ore mine is developed.

Pluton and the Mayala have worked together to develop a strategy for developing the island without compromising its heritage value.

The two partners are now putting the strategy into practice.