Yindjibarndi
The Yindjibarndi people are acknowledged by the Australian Federal Court as a society united by continuous laws and customs since before European settlement, with practices dating back over 50,000 years.
Yindjibarndi Ngurra (country) covers a native title determination area of approx. 13,000 km2 in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and includes numerous parcels of land with a variety of tenure/stakeholder interests, including areas of Exclusive Native Title.
Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate representing Yindjibarndi native title rights and interests, as appointed by the Federal Court of Australia.
The Yindjibarndi people believe in the principles set out in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including the right to own, control and develop their Ngurra.
Yindjibarndi have adopted a model focused on strengthening the Yindjibarndi Nation through three pillars – Community, Culture and Commercial (Three Cs model).
Yindjibarndi’s decision to lead
Australia’s clean energy transition is underway.
Yindjibarndi Ngurra is surrounded by heavy industry and well positioned for wind and solar development.
The Yindjibarndi saw an opportunity to lead and control the development of their Ngurra, exploring renewable energy opportunities and their role in Pilbara decarbonisation over four years ago, before establishing YEC.
The Yindjibarndi view renewable energy as an opportunity for long term sustainable economic development that benefits all Yindjibarndi people in an environmentally and culturally responsible way.
Finding a capability partner with the right values
The Yindjibarndi led a process to find a partner with the right skills and experience which led them to ACEN.
ACEN was chosen by the Yindjibarndi for their expertise in building solar, wind, and storage projects, with successful projects on Australia’s East Coast and in Asia.
