WHO WE ARE
We are an Aboriginal-led not-profit foundation whose purpose is to regenerate, restore and conserve Australian Sandalwood by supporting its Traditional Owners and Custodians in West Australia.
DUTJAHN
GROWS FUTURES
Born in the Western Desert regions of Western Australia on “Dutjahn” Country (the Martu and Wongi word for native Australian sandalwood), we support First Nations economies and communities on sandalwood lands.
The K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation is an independent, Aboriginal-led not for profit.
In 2020, we began supporting Strong Communities and Healthy Country programs led by sandalwood communities in the Western Desert regions of WA, including the Martu township of Wiluna, 1000km northeast of Perth, WA.
Today we are a driver for change in the Aboriginal Sustainable Sandalwood Sector – enabling culturally sensitive, nature-based economies that tackle climate action and address inequality.
Where we work
Approximate area of Aboriginal owned Australian Sandalwood in WA including the Martu town of Wiluna, the priority of our Strong Communities strategy.
PRINCIPLES
THAT GUIDE US
We show nayunyagai (RESPECT) for differing points of view and will always work to ensure that Indigenous knowledge is elevated as much as other knowledge systems.
It takes wiltu gnaraku (COURAGE, standing strong) to question the status quo and stand up against ‘business as usual’ ways of operating.
We are goonjunu gutyangnu nyarkuni (OPTIMISTIC, looking forward into the future) about the future and believe we can create a more just and healthy world.
We believe in goolu ngara (PATIENCE, waiting and standing)and the ‘long-game’. We build meaningful relationships with communities and partners, and ensure our work has integrity.
We are minyidu (DEDICATED, working with meaning, with a full heart and sincerity) to those we work with and serve.
MEET THE BOARD
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ChairmanSandalwood harvesting in the desert is tough uncompromising work. Clinton manages and operates Kutkububba Aboriginal Corporation’s Indigenous Martu harvesting enterprise. Caring for Country and following in his father’s footsteps is a cultural and commercial obligation to the Martu people. He is also a Director of Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils.
He has never worked for anyone in his whole life, because he is a self-employed sandalwood harvester. His father (first contact – deceased) taught him to care for country with socio-economic and environmental principles.
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Director
Derby raised, from Worora and Walmajarri families, Katina is an executive with over 25 years international experience in financial and general management roles. She is the Chair of Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils.
She is currently the Chair of ASX listed Ardea Resources Ltd and Yandal Resources Ltd, Managing Director of Indigenous Professional Services and a Non-Executive director of headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation.
Katina has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UWA, is a Certified Practising Accountant and has an MBA from London Business School. She is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
As an Angel Investor and entrepreneur, Katina has developed and invested in several businesses, as well as mentored Indigenous business people to grow their influence in Australia’s economy.
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Director
Jo Abraham is a Ngarluma woman living in Boorloo (Perth).
When she’s not writing, Jo is working in the engineering sector utilising her professional qualifications. This includes championing and creating spaces in the corporate sector for more Aboriginal people to occupy.
She is driven towards wholistic community healing and an authentically reconciled Australia.
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DirectorYuseph is a descendant of the Wuthathi peoples, with customary family connections to the Gunggandji peoples, as well as ancestral connections to the near Western Islands of the Torres Strait.
Yuseph has extensive experience and leadership working across the NSW Land Rights network and has been NSWALC’s acting CEO since June 2021. Prior, Yuseph was NSWALC’s Executive Director of Network and Program Delivery, which included the establishment of the Yarpa Indigenous Business and Employment Hub during its crucial setup phase. He has also served as NSWALC’s Southern Zone Director overseeing support for a network of 34 Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
In addition to his time at NSWALC, Yuseph brings to the role 25 years of experience working with First Nations People to secure and protect Rights, Land, Culture and Heritage as well as Natural Resource Management and Community Development with the North Queensland Land Council, the Indigenous Land Corporation, Lumbu Indigenous Community Foundation and the Western Cape Communities Trust.
Yuseph is committed to building on the ongoing work of expanding opportunities for Aboriginal people through land activation.
DUTJAHN = SANDALWOOD
Martu Wangka Australian Aboriginal term for the Australian Sandalwood tree – Santalum Spicatum.
K Farmer
Named in Honour of the Martu man whose mission it was to improve his people’s wellbeing by being on sandalwood country.
