Djäma
We work with individuals, groups and organisations. We are developing partnerships and collaborating with local organisations while we build Djalkiri – creating organisational processes and ways of working.
We have 5 focus areas. In the context of our work, they relate to:
- Galtha (intergenerational Yolŋu learning)
- Dhäruk (language)
- Djalkiri Warryun (advocacy, support and adult education)
- Ŋurru’ (purpose and aspirations)
- Ŋayaŋu (feeling, emotions, healing and wellbeing)
- Galtha
Galtha is a meeting place where starting points are negotiated and decisions are made. Galtha is an invitation to come together in a shared environment to initiate and inspire common purpose. In this space, Yolŋu engage in academic learning. While Galtha is a uniquely Yolŋu space, it also has a transformational impact on non-local people that work with Yolŋu in this way. Galtha is the framework that underpins our community forums; an intergenerational approach that guides our adult education model.
- Dhäruk
Dhäruk (language) is identity. There are limited opportunities for Yolŋu in our region to develop first language literacy, despite this being an important skill that is often needed in the workplace. So we are committed to creating opportunities to develop Yolŋu matha (including clan languages) in our work practices and programs. Increasing the use of clan languages is so important as these languages are critical to who we are.
The Dhäruk areas are:
YuṯaYän – supporting the practice of using and applying clan languages
Dhäwu – sharing our stories with community and stakeholders
- Djalkiri Warryun
Djalkiri warryun is the way we collectively advocate, collaborate and educate for change. We have a number of partnerships in the region; programs about cultural safety, induction and advocacy. We recognise that when we work together with other organisations our impact can be amplified. Our role is to work collaboratively with organisations as often we are working towards similar goals. Our approach is never about one person, it is a collective of voices, even if there is one person up the front or making the approaches, there have been background discussions- yaka gäna (not on our own). Sometimes this means that work takes longer but because we value process, we need to take the time to do it right.
The Djalkiri Warryun areas are:
Cultural Safety with Menzies – supporting the implementation of cultural safety by shifting the narrative in the health sector
Induction (Jawun) – provide regional induction orientating secondees into Yolŋu communities and organisations
Adult Education – advocate, influence and implementation of place based/community-led education
Life Admin: support bicultural capacity building to navigate Western systems such as essential documents, ID, applications, references.
Advocacy (Country Connect): capacity building with Yolŋu and non-local staff working in community in the disability space
Advocacy (Country Needs People): political advocacy in Indigenous rangers space, and education and awareness with lobbying
- Ŋurru’
Ŋurru’ is connected to purpose and is a critical aspect of our work, lives and community. Djalkiri supports Yolŋu to build a community of gurruṯumi (peers) to nurture and support individuals and groups to achieve their gatjpu (aspirations).
The ŋurru’ areas are:
Yuṯa Dhukarr – supporting people by building connection and identifying support systems
Gatjpu – creating space of discussions and support for yuṯa Yolŋu in navigating their growth and opportunities.
Systems of support (with Dhimurru and Anglicare NT) – collaborating with workplaces to build a system of support for employees.
- Ŋayaŋu
Ŋayaŋu is the sense of feeling among and between people, and is the foundation of all healing. Wellbeing is core to everything we do and all of our programs work towards wholeness. We have listed two specific programs below but this healing work is integrated into all of our work.
The ŋayaŋu areas are:
Ḏilthan – prioritising holistic wellbeing through connection and healing
Guŋga’yunami – connecting and strengthening relationships with families and community.
