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Uncle Doc and Elders tell the story of Wudjari ancient coastlines

19 March 2025
Country and environment
Man stands on rocks by the ocean

Fifteen years ago, Uncle Doc Reynolds stood on the granite platform beneath a massive limestone scarp that is now known as Salisbury Island in Western Australia. He reflected that he may be the first Wudjari person to have stood here in over twelve thousand years.

Photo: Uncle Doc Dr Reynolds stands on the rock platform

Uncle Doc Dr Reynolds’ reflection inspired a decades-long trajectory to document submerged, ancient Wudjari cultural corridors. The program design has been developed by Wudjari Knowledge Holders decades before the program came to be.

The program is a collaborative approach in research design, logistics, and strategic operational plan that is Wudjari Ancient Coastlines. It is led by Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC), supported by local and international researchers.

The story is now able to be retold, celebrated, and investigated as Doc, his Elders, and this team of up-and-coming Healthy Sea Country Rangers, delve into Southern Ocean and study the Wudjari Ancient Coastlines