Kado Muir’s online course for miners
Leonora-based DiljiLabs launches its first digital education product — Aboriginal Awareness 101 — which aims to educate employees of mining and mining contracting companies in Australia.
The online course, written and developed by cultural leader and Indigenous entrepreneur Kado Muir, is a broad introduction featuring general Aboriginal content.
“Our course has already been used by one gold miner, in Western Australia, and we appreciate that the company has valued and supported our recent initiative,” said Muir.
“The material is designed for participants, of on-country, in-person cultural awareness training, to read and complete before they travel to remote sites.
“The content is broad and is for anyone wanting to improve their understanding of Aboriginal culture across Australia.”
The online program, which combines traditional wisdom with modern learning approaches, is designed to improve awareness so that people arrive on country armed with some crucial basic background information.
“Aboriginal culture is complex,” said Muir.
“The more prepared non-Indigenous participants are — prior to arriving in the bush — the more they will gain from the on-country experience.
“Aboriginal Awareness 101 ensures they aren’t starting from scratch.”
Muir says he has a responsibility, as a knowledge holder, to pass on understanding in a culturally appropriate way.
“It is vital to share my knowledge and stories to a broader audience beyond our family group as this resource will empower people with information.
“It will assist mining and energy companies and mining contractors with many day-to-day roles.
“The course will impart knowledge that can assist to strengthen, long-term, productive business relationships with local Traditional Owners.”
DiljiLabs was established in 2024. Prior to the course, the company released an interactive educational app, The Mamutjitji Story App, for school children. It showcased EdTech, that blended ancient Dreamtime stories with science.
Muir is currently chair of the National Native Title Council, co-founder of the First Nations Clean Energy Network and a native title holder of the Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation. He is a businessman, strategist, artist, anthropologist, negotiator and an activist for Indigenous rights and the environment.
Kado has participated in some of the most significant native title claims and negotiations in WA in recent times and has a track record of successfully delivering a range of projects across many sectors including mining.
“The most important thing is for mining companies to be aware that there are fundamental aspects of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their territories that may not be adequately served by government laws and policies,” said Muir.
“The consideration for mining executives is that you are only a temporary guest on traditional territories and you need to be mindful of your legacy.”