Cultural Heritage

Nico acknowledges the Ngaanyatjarra People (Yarnangu or Traditional Owners) and their cultural heritage values.

Their traditional Ngaanyatjarra Lands, desert areas where water is sparse and temperatures soar, have remained mostly unaffected by European settlement. For this reason, an area within the Lands has been designated an Aboriginal Reserve by the Western Australian government and thus activity can only occur with approval from and for the benefit of the Traditional Owners.

Nico consults with Yarnangu on country during heritage clearance surveys to determine the cultural significance of areas and sites. Heritage surveys are undertaken before Nico embarks on any ground disturbing activity. Rock pools, artefacts, sacred and cultural heritage sites are mapped and recorded by Ngaanyatjarra Council anthropologists and archaeologists during Nico’s heritage clearance surveys.

Prior to subsequent ground disturbing studies, Nico engages with Yarnangu to seek their involvement and consent to undertake activities, which are then monitored by Yarnangu.