Society > Community Groups > Tribal Warrior

Tribal Warrior

Tribal Warrior is an Aboriginal community group based in Redfern with a mission to reduce rates of recidivism among young people. The organisation operates an Aboriginal Cultural Cruise from Blackwattle Bay, allowing visitors to see Sydney Harbour and learn about First Nations communities around this part of Sydney Harbour - Eora, Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal.  They also provide maritime qualification training for disadvantaged Aboriginal Australians.

The Tribal Warrior came to wide public attention in 2001 with a sailing vessel, the "Tribal Warrior" - a 15.4-metre gaff-rigged ketch, built a century earlier on Thursday Island.  The vessel was designed as a pearling lugger with a narrow beam and shallow draft.  The “Tribal Warrior” embarked on the circumnavigation of Australia, planning to pick up fresh crew wherever it came to port (see below). The organisation later took part informally in the Sydney to Hobart race, with an all Indigenous crew.

A second vessel, "Mari Nawi" ('big canoe' in the Eora language) is used for cruises, and can accommodate 150 guests with options for catering and entertainment.

The Chairman of the Tribal Warrior organisation is Shane Phillips, who was 2013 Australian of the Year Local Hero for his work in the Redfern community.

Related Items

• Community Groups

• First People

Further Reading

• Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation

• Tribal Warrior Circumnavigates the Continent

• Tribal Warrior - website