Gija

Qantas Boeing 737 with "Mendoowoorrji" paint scheme, inspired by Paddy Bedford's artwork "Medicine Pocket", itself inspired by the region inhabited by the Gija people

Gija, also spelt 'Gidja' and 'Kija', refers to Aboriginal Australians from the East Kimberley area of Western Australia, about 200 km south of Kununurra. In the late 19th century pastoralists were fiercely resisted by Gija people, many of whom now live around localities such as Halls Creek and Warmun (also known as Turkey Creek).

They have maintained a strong tradition of cultural preservation and active programs include a repository of teaching materials and artwork. Barramundi scale designs by local artist Lena Nyadbi were recently used on the roof of the Musee du Quai Branly on the River Seine in Paris (Miller 2013). It can only be viewed from the Eiffel Tower or Google Earth (Adamson 2013). In 2013, Qantas adapted Paddy Bedford's artwork for use on a Boeing 737.

Multinational mining company, Rio Tinto, operate the Argyle Diamond mine, the 'world's largest producer of naturally coloured gems [and] only consistent supplier of ... pink diamonds' (Rio Tinto 2012) at Barramundi Gap, a site of great cultural significance, especially to the traditions of Gija women.

References

• Adamson,T. (2013) Eiffel Tower Art: Lena Nyadbi Painting Can Only Be Viewed From Top Of Paris Landmark www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/06/eiffel-tower-art-lena-nyadbi-painting-only-viewed-from-one-spot_n_3398758.html
• Doohan, K. (2008) Making Things Come Good: Relations Between Aborigines and Miners at Argyle, Backroom Press.
• Horton, D., K. McKenzie, et al. (1994). The Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, society and culture / produced and designed by Kim McKenzie, David Horton, Robyne Bancroft ; general editor, David Horton ; editor, Dallas de Brabander, Canberra : Aboriginal Studies Press for Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, p545.
• Miller, N.(2013). Fish makes leap to banks of the Seine, Age, The (Melbourne): 24. Accessed 25 July 2013 at: www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/fish-makes-leap-to-banks-of-the-seine-20130607-2nvin.html
• Pelusey, M. (2000). Skin stories. Australian Geographic (59): 102.
• Tasker, S. (2012) Pink diamonds still Argyle's best friend. Australian, The. 03/31, p24.
• Rio Tinto (2012) Barramundi dreaming : the Argyle Diamonds story. Melbourne.
• Thomas, M., V. Ryan, et al. (2001). From digging sticks to writing sticks: stories of Kija women as told to Veronica Ryan / translations by Eileen Bray and Mary Thomas, Leederville, W.A.: Catholic Education Office of Western Australia.
• Thomas, G (2013) Qantas Unveils Aircraft's Aboriginal Art. The West Australian