Seabourn’s new expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit, will have its naming ceremony in the Kimberley region, Australia.
- The Traditional Owners of the Kimberley region, the Wunambal Gaambera people, have been chosen as the ship’s godparents.
- This appointment is a significant gesture of respect towards stewardship and sustainable tourism.
- Seabourn aims to foster positive change and cultural celebration with local communities through this partnership.
- A donation will support the Wunambal Gaambera community in developing a self-sustaining industry.
The inauguration of Seabourn’s newest expedition vessel, the Seabourn Pursuit, is scheduled to occur in Australia’s Kimberley region, a locale esteemed for its profound cultural heritage and natural beauty. The ship’s godparents will be none other than the Wunambal Gaambera people, the Traditional Owners of this significant region. Their appointment underscores a symbolic commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.
Seabourn’s initiative to appoint the Wunambal Gaambera as godparents is both unprecedented and deeply meaningful. Natalya Leahy, President of Seabourn, accentuates that the blessing of the ship by the communities they visit holds transformative potential. This partnership not only celebrates local culture but aspires to engender lasting positive impacts aligned with Seabourn’s values.
The Wunambal Gaambera people hold custodianship over Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay), Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater expanse of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau), areas intrinsic to their cultural and environmental identity. Representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation will partake in the ship’s inaugural dedication ceremony, precisely on 29th June.
Furthermore, Seabourn pledges to contribute financially to the Wunambal Gaambera community. These funds are aimed at fostering a self-supporting industry that prioritises the production and sale of indigenous arts and crafts. This gesture is part of a broader commitment to work collaboratively with the Traditional Owners.
Catherine Goonack, chairperson of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, articulates the intrinsic responsibility of the Wunambal Gaambera people to care for their land and sea. She acknowledges Seabourn’s contribution as pivotal in maintaining the health of their territories and fortifying their Wanjina Wunggurr culture while creating economic opportunities. Goonack affirms the joy and significance of living and working on a flourishing Wunambal Gaambera Country, expressing eagerness to introduce their unique Uunguu Experience to Seabourn and its guests.
The collaboration between Seabourn and the Wunambal Gaambera marks a notable commitment to cultural respect and sustainable tourism.
