Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has appointed Western Kimberley traditional owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as godparents of the ultra-luxury, purpose-built Seabourn chase. It is the first cruise line to appoint traditional owners as godparents of a ship.

Seabourn chase will begin its first season in the Kimberley region in June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn chase‘s voyage from June 22 – July 2, 2024. As part of the appointment, Seabourn will make a donation to help Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners develop authentic artworks and crafts from Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell.

In addition, Seabourn will also supply the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with pearl shells and various art supplies and polishing materials to promote sustainable, commercial arts and crafts initiatives for Wunambal Gaambera artists and craft producers throughout the year.

“We, the Wunambal Gaambera people, have a common need and responsibility to care for our country and prosper. Seabourn’s contributions will help us be in rural areas, maintain and keep our country and sealand healthy, strengthen our Wanjina Wunggurr culture and create economic opportunities for our people,” said Catherine Goonack, Chairperson of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.

“It is important that we take care of our country according to our Wanjina Wunggurr law. We are happy when we and our future generations live and work in our healthy Wunambal Gaambera land. We appreciate Seabourn’s support in these efforts and look forward to sharing our unique Uunguu experience with Seabourn and their guests as the garrangarru or godparents of the Seabourn chase.”

Tourism Western Australia is also making a financial contribution to the artistic venture.

“This is a wonderful partnership between Wunambal Gaambera and Seabourn, complemented by Tourism Western Australia, demonstrating our shared values ​​and the promise of greater opportunities for Traditional Owners in the Kimberley region. We are proud to support the development of Wunambal Gaambera’s Ngula Jar Island as we strive to position Western Australia as the premier Australian destination for authentic Aboriginal experiences,” said Carolyn Turnbull, Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia.

“We know visitors to Western Australia – the Dream State – are looking for immersive Indigenous experiences and the work we support on Ngula Jar Island will make this possible. Continued visitor numbers from premium cruise tourism providers such as Seabourn provide the necessary market to make this initiative successful and sustainable.”

The history of the Wunambal Gaambera dates back 70,000 years in the Kimberley. They are the traditional owners of a region that includes Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau), Yirinni (Hunter River) and Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay); Seabourn chase will visit Ngula Jar Island during his travels.

Meanwhile, Seabourn guests can experience Wanjina Wunggurr culture through welcome and smoking ceremonies, rock art tours, junba song and dance, and art and storytelling from the Uunguu Rangers.

Seabourn chase‘S The Kimberley program consists of six 10-day voyages from Broome to Darwin (and vice versa), departing between June and August 2024.

Highlights of the itinerary include Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef and King George Falls, along with abundant wildlife and the region’s ancient culture dating back some 50,000 years.