Djalkiri Foundation

YUṮA DHÄWU

YUṮA DHÄWU

Here at Djalkiri Foundation our vision is to support Yolŋu in North East Arnhem Land to lead empowered lives of meaning and belonging. It is what we are passionate about and is at the heart of what we do.

This newsletter is a reflection of what has been happening in the Djalkiri nest over the last 6 months and we are excited to share this with you!

In May, Djalkiri facilitated a Galtha – Yolŋu Yäku Mayali’. 35 Yolŋu attended this event and 8 organisations were involved. This Galtha was about language learning and created a supportive space for Yolŋu to write and speak in their own clan languages with the support from ŋaḻapaḻ (elders). Yolŋu matha is used to communicate both at home and in the workplace and therefore space needs to be created to continue and deepen this learning.  This Galtha provided an opportunity for Yolŋu to gather across organisations and engage in academic learning led by Yolŋu.  More on the importance and the impact this Galtha had to come in a future newsletter, which we cant wait to share with you!

Thank you to Dhimurru, ARDS, Yirralka Rangers, Yirrkala School and Laynhapuy Homelands School for your continuous support.

Transport is crucial for Djalkiri Foundation’s djäma (work). With travels to various communities now much easier, our work has become more efficient. This was made possible by the NT Government Community Benefit Fund’s vehicle gifts program.

We have been working on ŋayaŋu, a framework that is building structure around understanding emotions and feelings, including triggers and different fluctuating states of being. This approach creates space for self-reflection and healing, with gurruṯu as the foundation. We are collaborating with Yolŋu in the initial stages and exploring how to develop this, so watch this space!

Earlier this year Yalmay Yunupuyŋu was announced the 2024 Senior Australian of the Year!

Yalmay  has helped build the Djalkiri nest from its beginnings and is also one of our Mala Manapanami (board members).

We are honoured and privileged to have her as part of our Djalkiri team. Her fierce grace, humility and generosity inspires us daily.

Exciting news! We are in the process of making a clip about our work and vision. Filmed by local talents Aris and Grimes, it features our Mala Manapanami sharing their hopes, vision and roles within Djalkiri.  We can’t wait to share it with you all later this year!

Djalkiri joined Yirrkala Bilingual School and the community to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bilingual education at Yirrkala. Students and educators past and present along with community members and elders shared songs, buŋgul, stories and photos of the school’s history. The day recognised our Bilingual Education Warriors whose hard work  supports students of all ages to walk in both words. The day was a tribute to the ongoing determination and commitment of past and present educators who support bilingual education.

The Djalkiri team have also been creating an induction package for Jawun secondees, to support them to learn about some aspects of Yolŋu culture such as gurruṯu (kinship) and the mälk (skin system).  The package also includes pronunciation lessons for Yolŋu words as names have deep cultural meaning so being able to use them instead of relying on the English names and correctly pronouncing them is a great starting point for people new to the region. Importantly, it prompts participants to reflect on Western structures and the implications of power and privilege. So, as part of these workshops we are developing critical self-reflection tools to support participants to reverse the gaze and critically reflect.

Jawun is an initiative that fosters partnerships between the corporate sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations like Djalkiri.  Many Jawun secondees hail from big cities like Melbourne and Sydney and their placements in remote communities are often their first experiences away from urban life. Therefore, it’s vital to foster a foundation of understanding and learning during their stay.

At this years Garma Festival, our Manapanami (CEO) Rarrtjiwuy along with Ḏaŋanbarr from Galiwin’ku Women’s Space participated in a “Voices of the Future” panel discussion. They reflected on the theme Gurthawuma Worrkgu and shared their perspectives post-referendum, and the ways they are taking positive action in their communities. They both stressed how important it is to make space for upcoming leaders, supported by the vision of ŋaḻapaḻ (elders) vision. They encouraged young people to join in solidarity and to draw strength from Gurruṯu – their connection with each other.

It’s been an exciting 6 months here at Djalkiri Foundation as we continually learn and grow. We aim to keep creating a positive impact as we work alongside community to bring to life their hopes and aspirations.
We are grateful for your unwavering support.
Watch this space for more exciting things to come!
In the meantime please check us out on our social pages.
Nhäma Yalala!
The Djalkiri Team.