Some People Want to Shoot Me

‘ I’ ve spent the majority of my life fighting for the rights of Traditional Owners. This has put me in the firing line. But I chose this job, I chose this political path. My family did not.’ – Wayne Bergmann It’ s Broome, 2010. Nyikina man Wayne Bergmann has just received a death threat. His wife has watched a friend cross the road to avoid speaking with her. His children are subject to intense schoolyard bullying. Bergmann, a boilermaker by trade, and lawyer, is chief executive of the Kimberley Land Council during the controversial James Price Point gas hub negotiations. It’ s an event that will tear the Broome community apart. Wayne’ s story starts on Nyikina country and encompasses backbreaking station work, buried treasure, a Swedish bone thief and traditional magic love songs. His is an electrifying tale of resilience, determination and optimism, which shows what it takes to be an Aboriginal person walking in two cultures in a country where racism runs deep.

Madelaine Dickie is the award-winning author of two novels, Troppo and Red Can Origami. She formerly worked for Wayne Bergmann for five years at KRED Enterprises in Broome. Wayne Bergmann is an Indigenous leader from the Kimberley region. He is recognised as one of Australia’ s leading advocates for Indigenous self-determination through economic empowerment and opportunity, specialising in native title and mining negotiations, capital and business structuring.