Cultural Activation

Our goal is to ensure each project reflects the local community’s cultural and social fabric, including its unique stories, values, and history. By reflecting community sense of place, and Indigenous culture, our nature-based spaces celebrate history and identity while encouraging a deeper appreciation for our land and its natural features.

Through meaningful consultation with local community Elders and AIEOs in WA schools, much can be learned and shared about First Nations culture and practices. From these stories, elements can be integrated to enrich the space, creating opportunities for connection and learning.

Examples of Culturally Activated Projects:

One Tree Gurdawarnigu Maya “Bush Kindy” Roebourne

Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples

This project in the Pilbara involved consultation with local Elders in shaping the design. The “bush kindy” is deeply inspired by the surrounding landscapes and the traditions of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples, to foster community and impart cultural knowledge to the next generation.

Drawing from the terrain, the play area features flat expanses punctuated by mounds reminiscent of the rust-red hills that dot the landscape. Local artists’ motifs feature in steel cutouts, allowing sunlight to filter through and create playful projections.

Guided by dedicated local staff, children discover bush foods, medicines, and stories — making the “bush kindy” a space they love and a community treasure.

One Tree Gurdawarnigu Maya “Bush Kindy” Roebourne (Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi peoples)

Josh Koomal dij humpback community_Gracetown Large

Gracetown Community Playground opening ceremony by Koomal Dreaming.

Gracetown Community Playground

Koomal Dreaming

This community-led project was designed to honour both the surrounding natural environment and the history of the Traditional Owners.

NBP and local community members collaborated with Koomal Dreaming to gain cultural insight into the area’s stories and traditions, ensuring these were meaningfully woven into the design. One example is the “Spear Steppers”, created specifically for this project and inspired by Josh’s descriptions of how traditional Wadandi spears were crafted.

At the heart of the play space, a central humpback climber pays tribute to the whales that migrate along the coastline each year — a spectacular event visible from the site itself.

Interpretive signage has also been installed, sharing cultural knowledge and stories with visitors to this special place.

Sevenoaks Senior College Yarning Circle

Kayleen Hayward and the Eades family

As part of its commitment to a culturally responsive and inclusive environment, Sevenoaks Senior College actively supports First Nations students through programs like Follow the Dream and Deadly Sista Girlz. They have strong relationships with local Elders such as Kayleen Hayward and the Eades family who work regularly with the College and contributed to informing cultural aspects of the NBP design.

The College celebrated the opening of the Yarning Circle for NAIDOC week, with songs, dances, a moving speech and First Nation student awards.

Sevenoaks Senior College Yarning Circle NAIDOC week