Dharug and Gundungurra Country, New South Wales. 24 July, 2024.
Connection and relationality are fundamental concepts in our multiagency project To Be Born Upon a Pandanus Mat: Yothuw gayatha dhäwal’ guyaŋa’ nharaw. Our blog aims to strengthen connection by improving communication with you - our valued stakeholders, funders, friends, and project supporters. Coming from diverse backgrounds you share a dedicated commitment to uplifting the aspirations of the Yolŋu community.
Sun reflections on saltwater, Yolŋu Country, NE Arnhem Land, NT, Australia. Photo credit: Pat Josse.
Many people were initially introduced to our work through watching the award-winning documentary DJÄKAMIRR, while others have joined as research partners and supporters for our current project. We are so fortunate to have local partners based in Galiwin’ku and other parts of North East Arnhem Land. We also have followers in all Australian states and territories, and even internationally across the big saltwater expanses. We acknowledge and thank each of you for your ongoing interest in our work.
Connections extend not only between people but also Country.
Connections extend not only between people but also Country. Our project's Yolŋu lead Professor Maypilama, explains that Country has profound impacts for Yolŋu wellbeing and identity. We respect these connections by acknowledging the different sovereign First Nations Countries our project visits and/or where the blog is posted from. Today these words come from the homelands of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.
Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama talks about wellbeing on country and the benefit of returning to her homeland. Filmed in East Arnhem Land, July 2019 . Videography: Pat Josse
We will continue with posting project updates and sharing some story highlights from 2023. To ensure you don't miss out, we warmly invite you to subscribe to the blog at bottom of the home page. Help raise awareness about the importance of our work by sharing the blog with friends, family and colleagues.
Photo credit: Sarah Ireland. Morning sun in the Grose Valley, Blue Mountains, Dharug & Gundungurra Country, NSW, Australia.
This is great thanks for posting.
P