Arnhem Land Immersion – From the Head of Learning and Teaching
RRAMBAŊGI ŊILIMURRU MARŊGITHIRRI (Together we learn)
Over the break I had the very great privilege of joining 33 students and three staff on a week long immersion in north east Arnhem Land to learn about Yolngu culture. The experience of being welcomed not only onto country but onto the homelands of families is one that has left its mark on us all. We found ourselves embraced by the warmth and kindness of a community who willingly shared with us their culture, the oldest living continuous culture on the planet. It was in many ways a humbling experience as we discovered just how much we don’t know about our country, it’s traditional owners and our shared history.
Our trip was made possible by the incredible team at Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profit indigenous corporation and charity. Their vision is to weave Yolŋu and Näpaki (non-Indigenous) together to create balance and instigate change in the story of education.
“The essence of contact with Country is missing from education – Culture College allows Yolŋu to learn knowledge while working and walking country, then looking out to Balanda who will be learning from us…Yolŋu the wind in the sails behind Balanda the vessel going back home from this learning experience.”
Marcus Mungul Lacey – Culture College Director
Our immersion commenced with a welcome to country and a healing workshop with Elders at Gulkula. This was the moment where our girls truly leaned into why they were here and opened themselves up to the experience. During our time with the community, we visited the Yirrkala Art Centre where we were introduced to Dhuwa and Yirritja the two moiety that maintain balance, harmony, and good health for all of creation. We also learned about the role the Uniting Church has played in this community before journeying to Macassan Beach to learn the history of this community’s connection with the Makassan traders of Sulawesi.
On our second night at Gulkula we watched the movie LUKU NGARRA: The law of the Land. In this film the Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra asks non-indigenous Australians to consider stepping out of their own dominant ideology, to see the wisdom, complexity, and importance of the Yolngu world. As balanda (a white person) some of the history presented was challenging but also such an important narrative at this time in our country.
The next four days were spent on the Bukudal homeland. Three hours over red dirt roads in a 4WD to emerge at the most pristine of beaches. Sadly, swimming was off the agenda due to the presence of the local wildlife but plenty of fun was to be had playing beach volleyball, sitting around the campfire, fishing, collecting oysters fresh from the rocks and walking on the beach.
Mornings were spent in our classroom learning Yolngu Matha, the language spoken by the people, developing our understanding of Yolngu kinship, and learning about women’s business. Afternoons were an opportunity to take part in painting and jewellery making workshops and spend time with the family. Our sincere thanks to Charmaine, Randy, Ruth and Marcia for all they taught us.
Our Culture College mentors, Emi, Alana, Ben and KZ were part of what made this experience so special in the way they interacted with the girls and helped them navigate their introduction to Yolngu culture, all the while keeping us safe and managing the logistics of caring for over 40 people in a remote location. They were a joy to work with.
Mention must be made of the wonderful Bron who was our caterer extraordinaire. Home cooked meals and a constant esky full of snacks was just the start. Tunes in the kitchen with Bron quickly become part of the routine and girls were quick to volunteer to be in the vehicle she was driving. The was consensus from all that this was the best camp food ever.
Our experience concluded with a final walk on the beach at Nhulunbuy and a campfire. A fitting place to reflect on our week. As with any group of this size the special moments and deep learnings vary from person to person. For some it was the time to truly disconnect and find a space where it was ok to not be busy, for others it was the chance to experience a way of life that they will likely never encounter in their everyday lives. For me it was this, prior to this immersion I have read lots about the concept of connection to country and why land is such an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. I understood it as a concept. Having spent the week with the family at Bukudal I now understand so much more about this deep connection to place, this concept that while intangible, is so strong. In short, I get it now. I consider it a privilege to have been welcomed on country where culture is so still strong.
If your daughter is interested in taking part in the 2024 Arnhem Land Immersion, please join us at for the information evening on Wednesday 1 November 2023 6pm Level 1 Senior Centre.
– LInda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching
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