Closing the Gap narrative does not define us – or direct us
By the DJARINDJIN ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
The Closing the Gap narrative does not define us, direct us, or determine our vision for the future.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation acknowledges the national intent behind the Closing the Gap agenda and recognises that governments must begin their reform efforts somewhere. We understand the need for structural change and we welcome genuine attempts to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We appreciate and acknowledge the good work that many organisations and individuals do to address the disparity.
However, Djarindjin is equally clear: the Closing the Gap narrative does not define us, direct us, or determine our vision for the future.
For decades, policies affecting our people have been written, led and measured by governments, often without grounding in lived experience on Country. Despite repeated reviews and refreshes, national frameworks continue to operate from a government‑centered lens, built around deficits and targets rather than the strength, capability and cultural authority that already exists within our communities.
From where Djarindjin stands, Closing the Gap remains an approach that is structurally back‑to‑front. It asks communities to align with government systems that were never designed with us in mind, and it measures progress using indicators we did not write. It focuses on “closing gaps” rather than supporting Aboriginal people to build, govern and lead through our own laws, our own authority, and our own knowledge systems.
We make it plain: Djarindjin is not a gap to be closed.
Our strategy, The Djarindjin Way, centres on:
- Cultural authority and Bardi and Jawi leadership
- Land, Country and community governance
- Economic independence and employment pathways
- Infrastructure, enterprise and long‑term capability building
- A 20‑year vision for self‑determination and community strength
Billions spent on “closing the gap”. Our way is focused on building our own capacity and constructing a bridge over the “deficit divide”.
We will continue to collaborate with government where it aligns with our priorities and supports real outcomes for our people. But we will not be defined by external narratives, and we will not allow policy frameworks built elsewhere to dictate our success.
Djarindjin is forging its own path, one grounded in culture, capability, self‑determination and community power. We respect that government must start somewhere. But as far as Djarindjin is concerned, we will continue moving forward on our own terms, in our own way, for our own future.
Who are we?
The Djarindjin Community enjoys its privacy on the Northwest Coast of Western Australia.
As a functioning community with schools and places of employment, the people of Djardinjin Community in recent times have chosen to open, in a limited capacity, to tourism.
While the Community residential areas remain closed to tourism, we have opened a Campground at the Roadhouse. This will allow our people the opportunity to continue our traditional way of life, practicing cultural law and caring for country, while sharing our stories and places with visitors to the Peninsula.
