What Jajirdi stands for

We are firmly committed to the harmonious development of our Region. We recognise and respect the variety of cultures represented in Australia generally and Aboriginal Australia in particular. The economic and social future of our community depends on our ability to better communicate and work co-operatively towards shared goals. Our aim is to offer practical training and advice to Aboriginal communities and those who work with them to assist in this process. Working in a cross-cultural environment is difficult, complex and always controversial. Jajirdi aims to give its clients the knowledge, skills and confidence to do a better job in this challenging environment.

Our clients have included several Commonwealth, Territory and local government agencies, several mining, energy and engineering companies, including currently, Newmont Australia, Santos, ERA/Riotinto and Solar Systems, local Aboriginal and community service organizations, including The Central Land Council, Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service and Ngaanyatjarra Council, several schools, government and private, local and interstate, the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, the Netherlands based Bernard van Leer Foundation and the Earth Sciences Dept of Schippensberg University, Pennsylvania, USA.

Bess Nungarrayi Price was born at Yuendumu. Her first language is Warlpiri. She also knows Luritja and Western Arrernte. Bess has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Aboriginal Community Management and Development from Curtin University and has worked in education and training, public administration, the media, community development, interpreting, translating and language teaching and has experience in small business management. She has represented Central Australia at conferences in Québec, Vancouver and Beijing. She currently chairs the NT’s Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council. The Jajirdi Dreaming belongs to Bess, her brothers and sisters, fathers and aunts.

Dave Price has worked in Aboriginal education and training and public administration in the NT, the Kimberley in WA and in South Australia for over twenty years. He has qualifications in secondary and special education and a Master of Letters in Linguistics from UNE. His eight and a half years of teaching experience includes over seven years in remote Aboriginal communities. He also has substantial experience delivering training in the Public Service and has taught courses in Warlpiri language and culture and lectured to visitors to the Centre on Aboriginal issues for several years. Dave and Bess have been married for over thirty years.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Castle was born in Darwin but grew up and was educated in Alice Springs. She has been involved in several theatrical, musical, and film projects in Alice Springs and the Adelaide Festival. Jacinta is a singer/songwriter and is currently the presenter for Imparja’s ‘Yambah’s Playtime’ children’s program. She has also acted as facilitator and co-ordinator in community service and research projects as well as lecturing on Aboriginal culture and cross cultural communication for over ten years.