Matuwa and Kurrara Kurrara are some of the most valuable parcels of land in the Martu estate and their importance to Martu people cannot be overstated.

The area contains many sacred sites linked to water sources, as well as other sites associated with unique environmental features. The interlinkages between ground and surface water sources have supported camping places with rich animal and plant life that carries not only ecological significance but also cultural importance.

Water (Kapi) is of utmost importance to Martu people and it is vital that this resource is conserved through responsible management. The unpredictable rainfall events, usually associated with tropical lows form the northwest, mean that surface water is scarce throughout Matuwa and Kurrara Kurrara though creeks (Gardoo), lakes (Ngaparu) and claypans (Pilkililli) fill up from time to time creating a temporary but frenetic bloom of desert life. These events are celebrated by Martu people as they allow sustained camping and provide younger generations with a much richer picture of the diversity of the area. During these events, rarely seen animals such as dinner plate turtles (Chelodina steindachneri) emerge, food and medicine plants flower, birds of prey circle overhead and rockholes brim over.

When the water recedes in the creeks and claypans, the rockholes and soaks act as long term water storage reservoirs. These places are well known to Martu people and feature prominently in the Jukurrpa songlines that link the water sources together.

Kurrara Kurrara is home to a number of men’s sites as well as many known named sites and places linked to women’s and men’s law. In particular, the north-east of Matuwa contains a significant men’s area that is known across the entire western desert and often eagerly visited by senior men visiting from other areas.

The entire area and numerous other sites on and adjacent to Matuwa and Kurrara Kurrara are linked to the Pikuta (ero) and Marlu (red kangaroo) dreaming track that is part of important men’s ceremony. Ceremony associated with this and other Jukurrpa is routinely performed by male members of the native title holding group.

Cultural locations are associated with Jukurrpa (dreaming stories) and are often linked to specific Martu country types such as Junu, Ngaparu, Pilkililli and Yapul Yapul and include male and female restricted areas.