Michael Woodley’s presentation will draw on his traditional upbringing on Yindjibarndi country in the Pilbara region and how the traditional principles he has learned guide his way of working with his community, as well as the many non-Indigenous people and organisations that he deals with regularly. Mr Woodley will explain how the Yindjibarndi people’s relationships are based on the 5 principles of Yindjibarndi cultural protocol.
Galharra system which defines skins groups and how people relate to each other. These dealings are strengthened by what is called the Yinyart, which are the reciprocal responsibilities to each other. These roles and responsibilities are formalised in Burndud law and ceremony.

Finally, Mr Woodley will explain the significance and language and Ngurra (the land) to the Yindjibarndi way of living. These principles have not only bound together the Yindjibarndi people to make them one of the
most influential groups in the Pilbara, but they have also underpinned a range of successful ventures that will help to sustain the community for generations to come. Mr Woodley has led the community since 2007 as the CEO of the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, a native title body, and he now heads a group of entities that is working towards achieving community, cultural and commercial benefits for the Yindjibarndi people.
The principles of reciprocity and respect for culture, language and Ngurra are at the heart of everything the Yindjibarndi are doing on the commercial front. A decade ago, Mr Woodley cofounded the Yurra contracting business which has grown from a small landscaping business to a firm that now delivers a range of complex construction and engineering services to the Pilbara region. The Yindjibarndi people have also launched partnerships in the areas of renewable energy, housing, water management, media services and car rental.