Who we are

Joombarn-buru is the recognised Native Title Holder over a portion of land in the Kimberley, covering land about 70 kilometres northeast of Broome and 55 kilometres west of Derby, within the Shire of Broome. The area includes Mount Jowlaenga, a culturally significant site, and 'Joombarn-buru' means wetland, which describes much of the 940 square kilometre area.

The Country was traditionally a meeting place for the different groups who all used the land and is entirely bounded by other Native Title determination areas.

The Joombarn-Buru consented determination, came as a result of the State and Claimants reaching an agreement in 2021.

The determination identified the language labels of Nimanburr, Warrwa, Nyikina, Nyul Nyul, Jabirr Jabirr, Ngumbarl and Yawuru. There are 17 listed apicals which have been distilled to 14 with living descendants. The group identifies through their family groups, rather than their language groups - see the apical list below.