In an important chapter in the Kokatha story, BHP has renamed its Oak Dam exploration site Ankata, which is the Kokatha word for Bearded Dragon.
The name recognises the Creation Story or Songline, that the potential future mine is situated on.
It’s the first time that BHP has renamed one of its mining or exploration sites with an Aboriginal name, which we hope shows an acknowledgement of the deep cultural and spiritual connection Kokatha people have to their Country.
The day also marked the opening of a dedicated Kokatha office at Ankata, that can be used by all Kokatha people working at the site.
Ankata is more than just a name – it’s recognition that Kokatha Country has always, and will always, belong to Kokatha people.