This page provides links to websites and resources that may be relevant to Yolŋu or others interested in early child development in this cultural context. (Suggestions for further links and resources to include on this page will be welcome).
Please note, research partners do not endorse or take responsibility for the content of these websites.
"Growing up children in two worlds" Project partners:
Researchers from Charles Darwin University who work on this project are part of the Northern Institute and the College of Indigenous Futures, Arts and Society.
Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw Indigenous Corporation
Yalu Marŋgithinyaraw Indigenous Corporation is a Yolŋu run organisation providing service delivery and community research in Galiwin’ku, North East Arnhem Land. You can also find more information about Yalu's projects, research and history here.
SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children is the national non-governmental peak body representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
"Growing up children in two worlds" Project publications:
Building Yolŋu Skills, Knowledge, and Priorities into Early Childhood Assessment and Support: Protocol for a Qualitative Study. Lowell A, Maypilama EL, Fasoli L, Gundjarranbuy R, Godwin-Thompson J, Guyula A, Yunupiŋu M, Armstrong E, Garrutju J, McEldowney R. JMIR Res Protoc 2018;7(3):e50 Available at: http://www.researchprotocols.org/2018/3/e50/
"The ‘invisible homeless’ – challenges faced by families bringing up their children in a remote Australian Aboriginal community". Lowell A, Maypilama EL, Fasoli L, Gundjarranbuy R, Godwin-Thompson J, Guyula A, Yunupiŋu M, Armstrong E, Garrutju J, McEldowney R. BMC Public Health (2018) 18:1382. Available at: https://rdcu.be/bdQUK
Fasoli L, Maypilama L, Lowell A, Yunupiŋu M, Farmer R. (2018) ‘We’re still being dragged to be white’: Learning from Yolŋu growing up their children in two worlds. In Pence A. and Harvell J. (eds.) Thinking About Pedagogy in Early Education: Pedagogies for Diverse Contexts. Routledge.
Resources from the region:
This video (beginning and end) shows the Baṉumbirr (Morning Star) dance which Badi was copying when practicing his buŋgul (ceremonial dance) in the video example on this page of the website. Badi copied his Waku (Great Grandfather) - Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi on the video.
Yolŋu perspectives on gifted and talented children
In 2008, eight Yolŋu elders and educators met at Chares Darwin University for a research workshop about gifted and talented children. The resources they developed are available here.
"Yolŋu elders can often identify very special young people who will grow up to be leaders in ceremony, in clan groups, in the community or in politics. But the school system does not understand Yolŋu points of view on what it means for a young person to be seen as ‘gifted’ or ‘talented’."
ShepTV
A bilingual literacy project by students from Shepherdson College, Galiwin'ku.
Episode 1 (2018)
Episode 2 (2018)
Episode 3 (2019)
Episode 4 (2019)
A song written in 2015 with students from Galiwin’ku and produced by Indigenous Hip Hop Projects and Miwatj Health, to promote healthy lifestyles.
Services and supports for Yolŋu children and their families:
Yolŋu Wanganhamirr Mitj (YWM) are a leadership team who include representatives of all clans and the permanent work force from child, family and youth services in Galiwin’ku. YWM hold the responsibility to control and direct some funding for programs to best suit the needs of children, families and communities in Galiwin’ku.
Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture Program
Northern Territory Government Department of Health and Families – Information for Strong Women Workers, Government and Non-Government Professionals
East Arnhem Family and Youth Service Directory
Produced by East Arnhem Regional Council
Health-related information for children and families:
The Northern Territory Government, Hearing Services in partnership with Maningrida Family as First Teachers group developed two animated ear health educational videos.
This site provides information to help early childhood educators, mentors, trainers, teachers and families about how to prevent kids from getting sick ears (middle ear disease) and how to help kids who already have listening problems (hearing loss): www.lookafterkidsears.com.au
Take Heart - rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
This is an important health message about acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. This video is also available in a variety of other languages.
