Welcome
We invite you to share our country.
Since the Jawoyn Association’s beginning more than 30 years ago, we have invited others to “share our country”.
It is a philosophy taught to us from our Elders.
Jawoyn is recognised among Aboriginal peoples over a large area of the Northern Territory’s ‘Top End’. It is an all-encompassing expression used in reference to language, culture, people and territory.
With 17 clans making up the group, The Jawoyn Association forms a positive role model for similar organisations to follow. Their business enterprise, human services, and forward planning combined with a vision for economic independence, provides employment and training for Jawoyn people, while maintaining a strong affinity to traditional heritage and cultural ideals.
Nitmiluk National Park is owned by the Jawoyn people and managed under a 99 year lease by the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, in association with Jawoyn people, culture and traditions.
Our people, the Jawoyn tribe, are the traditional owners of the area now known as Nitmiluk National Park
Protecting Nitmiluk Gorge
The place of the Cicada dreaming.
Nitmiluk is the Jawoyn name for Katherine Gorge.
It is pronounced Nit-me-look, and literally means Cicada Place. The name was given by Nabilil, an important figure of the Creation Time. As he travelled through the country he came to the Gorge where he hears the song of the Cicada, “Nit, Nit, Nit!”
The Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park and Jawoyn Association logo is a painting by a deceased traditional owner of Nitmiluk. It depicts Bolung (the rainbow serpent), Nitmi (the cicada), mussels, fish, and rocks. By tradition, Bolung still inhabits the deep pools of the second Gorge at Nitmiluk and care must be taken not to disturb him.
Country, Community and Culture
Community, culture and country
lay at the heart of our work.
Community, culture and country lay at the heart of our work.
Our Elders made a decision that royalties must be re-invested in services that support these values and directly benefit all members and community, rather than individuals.
As a result of this approach, we have been able to maintain our community focus on human services, employment and education, as well as nurture partnerships and form successful operations in tourism and land management.
Our Partners
