THE

EASTERN ARRERNTE

GUARDIANS OF THE UTNERRENGATYE MINE

The region of Australia where we mine Rainbow Lattice is home to The Eastern Arrernte People with an ancient history dating back over 45,000 years.

During Dreamtime it is believed that the MacDonnell Ranges were created by UTNERRENGATYE, or Rainbow Caterpillar, along with two other caterpillars named YEPERENYE and NTYARLKE. These mountain ranges consist of parallel ridges running to the east and west of Alice Springs and stretch for 644Km (400 miles). When viewed from a distance, or above, the mountain ranges look like caterpillars crawling over the landscape.

Arrernte country is rich with mountain ranges, waterholes, and gorges; as a result the Arrernte people set aside 'conservation areas' in which various species are protected.

Arrernte people maintain a strong local presence, and have formed the Arrernte Council of Central Australia, as well playing a major role in the Aboriginal organisations in and around Alice Springs. 

Read more about this rich culture here.