Ampetyane is a senior traditional owner of country in Central Australia, he inherited his traditional status to homelands through his elders at the time and established strong connections to his people, in 1989 he was handed his cultural authority as both “Kata” (owner) and Kuntungurlu “Custodian” (Policeman) through a Full Central Land Council Meeting at Barrow Creek whereby it was officially declared he has full responsibility to speak, approve development and handle cultural matters pertaining to his grandfather’s country, this authority further confirmed his cultural identity and attachment to uphold and address the management of the estate, his inheritance and direct connection to those lands.
He belongs to Anungra (Healing People) , Uturrpa (Sandhill people) and Alukura Clan groups which comprise of 3 tribes being:
- Kaytej (grandfather’s tribe)
-
Alyawarre (grandfather’s tribe)
-
Amatjere (grandmother’s tribe)
Ampetyane was raised in the Northern Territory predominantly in the Top End and spent many years in Central Australia whereby he mastered his skills to undertake traditional and contemporary desert art style. He now lives with his wife presently in NSW where he currently works as a Cultural Heritage Officer with Transport NSW.
His past work in Park Management began as a Ranger Trainee in 1983 whereby he was selected by Senior Traditional owners of Kakadu National Park. During his time living and working in Kakadu he mastered many skills and knowledge related to rock art, preservation and protection of the many sites across the landscape.
Today, Wayne Ampetyane continues his cultural knowledge and shares with the community through exhibitions, story telling, teaching, and training to the younger generation.
