Michael Woodley is a senior Yindjibarndi leader, chief executive of Yindjibarndi Nation, Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation, headquartered in Ieramugadu (Roebourne). Mr Woodley was founder and chair of its contracting arm Yurra and chairs the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation.
Deeply grounded in Yindjibarndi Law and culture, Mr Woodley has spent more than two decades shaping the political, cultural and economic direction of his people and the Pilbara region. He is widely known for leading Yindjibarndi’s landmark native title battle against Fortescue Metals Group.
His leadership with Juluwarlu Group, now based in the remote community of Ngurrawaana, has supported the preservation and growth of Yindjibarndi language, Law and storytelling, reinforcing these foundations for future generations.
Mr Woodley’s vision for Indigenous self-determination emphasises equity, ownership and long-term participation in major projects, particularly in mining and renewable energy. He has sought to move Yindjibarndi governance institutions beyond traditional agreement making, toward models that place Yindjibarndi people as decision makers, shareholders and strategic partners in the region’s economic future.
