Yindjibarndi Water
First Nations Water Company (trading as Yindjibarndi Water) represents a nation of people with deep connections to their water. Yindjibarndi’s expertise in managing its water source requires discipline and a profound understanding of working with the Ngurra (land) over thousands of years.
This expertise has contributed to the eco-cultural sustainability of the Yindjibarndi people, their country, culture, nature, and community, which in turn has accredited the protection of the Millstream and Fortescue River areas in the Pilbara region since Ngurra Nhungungumu (when the world was soft).
About Us
The Yindjibarndi story of self-determination and commitment is deeply rooted in the belief that to be respected as a Nation, we must first believe that we are a Nation, inspired by our action to incorporate a clear and precise plan to build a Nation. This plan is premised on the simple idea that a 3C vision to modernise and develop Yindjibarndi’s Community, Culture, and Commercial rights is all that is required to be a part of a rising tide of opportunities. Yindjibarndi Water seeks to ensure appropriate management and use of the natural surface and groundwater resources on country and to be a water utility delivering fit for purpose water services for commercial and community purposes.
In 2021, Yindjibarndi Water was established through a co-founding partnership. It is majority-owned by Yindjibarndi Wealth Pty Ltd on behalf of the Yindjibarndi people. The Right Water Company Pty Ltd is a minority shareholder and supports Yindjibarndi Water through its strategic and technical water industry expertise.
Yindjibarndi Water is well-positioned today as part of the water industry in Australia. Our mission is to bring real change and lead the transformation necessary to meet the externally driven demands of climate change and the ESG commitments from our Governments, Public Companies, Boards, Shareholders, Investors, and the wider community. This is our greatest calling: to demonstrate what Yindjibarndi has always known through generational capabilities and knowledge transfer.
Services
Water management is a key step in the self-determination pathway for building both water management and business opportunities within the water industry. Yindjibarndi Water can assist or partner with other Aboriginal-owned businesses to build capacity and develop water infrastructure opportunities, whether in bulk water supply, bespoke water products, or functioning as a water utility.
Yindjibarndi Water, having gained cultural awareness and understanding of water in a specific area or nation, can then assess the quality and significance of water data and information to develop a water balance for a defined catchment. This water balance can be evaluated against cultural, community, and commercial demands to derive an agreed allocation and water management strategy.