Northern Territory NE Arnhem Land Immersion 2023

During the recent holiday break, 25 Year 11 students with Dr Gilmour, Mr Blood, Ms Tierney and Mrs Camden travelled to the NT to be immersed in First Nations culture, language, traditional medicine and community on the Nyinyikay Homeland in NE Arnhem Land and Nhulunbuy (Gove) Gulkuala (Gama) site.

Upon arriving in Nyinyikay Homeland, we experienced a traditional Welcome to Country with dance and paint up with Gapan (white clay) to imbed us into community; we participated in smoking ceremony followed by healing service. This was emotionally moving for all.

The students were taught in outdoor classes by Elder Marcus on subjects related to the Yolngu worldview, marriage (Dhuwa or Yirritja), 16 Clan groups in Arnhem Land, Djalkiri/Madayin Rom (lore of nature) and language groups (Yolnu Matha), with balance, harmony, and good health promoted for all of creation.

As we walked through the Homeland, we stopped and observed bush foods (Maranhu) and traditional medicines and gained flora knowledge. We were taught first aid treatment on country, fishing lessons and led through crafting a spear thrower from a Homeland tree to Galpu. The ladies were treated to a day with the Aunties weaving earrings and enjoying the natural laughter.

The students were divided for daily community support roster into Groups:

Baru Crocodiles, Bapi Snake, Lorrpu Cockatoo and Manu Shark performed their various tasks with rigour, care, and loads of chatter. Car trips between sites resulted in much singing to old favourites from times gone by. All part of the extended bonding experience with our guides, staff, and students alike.

This life-changing experience led by Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation and the community of Elder Marcus and his mother, Grandmother Megan, made us feel like we had been here forever. We said Yo manymak (Yes good, thanks) constantly.

We miss our Homeland Community already.

Mrs C Camden
MIC Immersion