Where does the information come from?

Yolngu are the Aboriginal people from North East Arnhem Land. We have kept our traditional culture alive and strong by passing knowledge down through the generations. Many practices remain the same as they have for thousands of years.

The elders of the Yolngu (Aboriginal) community of North East Arnhem Land have generously given their permission for us to teach others about their ways. It is their teachings that form the basis for the art and cultural content of all Sharing Culture products.

Yolngu have been sharing culture in various forms for many years, through mediums which include:

• Traditional music (Djalu Gurruwiwi)
• Contemporary blended with traditional music ( Gurrumul Yunipingu, Warumpi Band frontman - George Barrawanga, as he is now referred to, Yothu Yindi)
• Dance (Djakapurra Munyarryun who is also a Songman, Nalkuma Burrawanga, Mirrwatnga Munyarryun)
• Film (David Gulpilil)
• Art (Nami Maymuru White, Baluka Maymuru, Wukun Wanambi)
• Politics (Several Elders and community members were involved in painting the Yirrkala Bark Petition)

These artists are just a few of the many people who have emerged from NE Arnhem land and have contributed to sharing our Yolngu culture.

Yolngu law dictates that daily life practices are only passed through the generations, so it is our honour to be sharing this private culture with others.

CULTURAL CONTENT

Gadj is a Yolngu man who belongs to the Manggalili Clan. Born in Yirrkala, North East Arnhem land, he spent most of his life migrating between Yirrkala and his homeland Djarrakpi. While growing up, he was taught the old ways from his family and his environment. He was passed on the knowledge of how to survive, as his ancestors have for thousands of years, learning to hunt and live off the land.

The cultural and language content was provided by Gadj, who speaks Yolngu Matha and English fluently. The interactive bi-lingual story was also written and narrated by Gadj and brings to life his childhood experiences with the way hunting customs are handed down. Gadj's input and cultural knowledge has ensured the information is accurate and cultural protocols have been observed.

ART CONTENT

All the Artwork featured throughout the interactive software was produced by Gadj.
As an accomplished artist, he learned to paint using ancient methods and materials including hand made paintbrushes, ochres and clay on bark. Gadj uses these methods in his paintings, using a brush made from the hair of his children.

The designs Gadj paints depict totem animals and ancestral stories that belong to the Manggalili Clan. For a while he was also artist in residence at the Australian National University where he taught students traditional painting methods and design.

Gadj currently paints for several galleries and shops across Australia. He also holds cultural information sessions as well as spear making and spear throwing workshops for schools, community groups and festivals.

SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING AND DEVELOPMENT

The interactive software has been developed by Gadjs’ wife Jodie whose heritage stems from the New Zealand Maoris. Being a mother of Aboriginal children, Jodie understands how important it is for Indigenous children to have access to programs and games that are relevant to their cultural heritage.

Jodie’s experience living in Yirrkala brought about a great respect and appreciation for Yolngu and the fascinating culture they kindly shared and still continue to share with her. To be accepted into the family and given the opportunity to learn many aspects of this remarkable culture, and to share the connection to land and family, is one of the most incredible gifts possible for her.

Jodie feels it is important for Balanda (non Indigenous people) to understand how much knowledge Yolngu and other Aboriginal people have to offer and what can be learnt from them.

OTHER INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

Gadj and Jodie are keen to assist other Aboriginal Communities record and share their cultural heritage using multimedia and other learning tools. Please contact us for more information on having a program tailored to the local language of your area.