Tribal Warrior

Tribal Warrior has humble roots, beginning as an indigenous maritime training organisation in 1998. Is now an established non-for-profit mentoring and cultural tourism company provoking change in the wider community. Founded by first nations people, they are the only indigenous maritime training company operating within Australia. Using their own vessels, Tribal Warrior and Mari Nawi to provide certified TAFE qualifications for indigenous youth, Tribal Warrior has successfully trained over 40 skippers and 1000 crew members. The Tribal Warrior crew also became the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crew to participate and cross the finish line in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2019. Noakes proudly offers free slipping and maintenance on both of the Tribal Warrior vessels as a show of support for all the hard work that they do for the community. Tribal Warrior is dedicated to providing better opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which is something that is deeply ingrained within Noakes’ values. 

Tribal Warrior is one of the oldest timber workboats in Australia. Built in 1899 in the Torres Strait Islands, it has a fruitful history of many First Nations people working aboard in the pearling grounds of Western Australia and surrounds. Then used by the United States Army in World War II, before it was adopted by the Ganabarr Morning Star Clan, traditional people of the Gove Peninsula in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Now berthed at the Australian Maritime Museum, it comes to Noakes in Berry’s bay for maintenance. Their other vessel, Mari Nawi which means ‘big canoe’ in traditional language, is a retired ferry used for cultural cruises and private charters on Sydney Harbour. Mari Nawi is easily spotted on the harbour, emblazoned with its distinctive whale artwork on its bow. 

Tribal Warrior have shattered glass ceilings for indigenous youth, and continue to encourage education and conversation between indigenous and non-indigenous communities Australia wide. It is a pleasure and privilege to be able to work with them and help them continue their incredible work.

(Credit: Historical details, Australian Maritime Museum)

Tribal Warrior on Noakes Slipway prior to work commencement

Tribal Warrior on Noakes Slipway post work completion