More than just a place: What it means to live in the Homelands

For Yolŋu people, the homelands are more than just a place to live, they are a way of life, deeply connected to country, culture, and identity. While living on country offers a sense of belonging that town life cannot replace, it also comes with challenges - from rough roads and deteriorating houses to unreliable essential services. In this episode, Dr Sarah Hanieh speaks with Margaret Dhorrpuy Munyarryun, who calls the homeland community of Dhambala home. She shares the realities of life in the homelands, the resilience it takes to stay, and why teaching young children about identity and connection is more important than ever.

The homelands are more than just home - they are a way of life. Here, people live by the rhythms of the land, surrounded by bird songs and the sound of the waves. But remote life isn’t simple. Power and water can be unreliable, roads get cut off for weeks, and houses are run down.

Despite the hardships, many Yolŋu remain, holding onto country as a source of strength. In this episode, Dr Sarah Hanieh speaks with Margaret Munyarryun who has built a life in the homelands and is ensuring the next generation grows up with a strong sense of identity, respect, and belonging.

The main thing that we teach the children is to respect one another. It is really important for the Yolngu student, even the little kids, to learn to respect.

Margaret Dhorrpuy Munyarryun, Homeland Resident

Margaret talks about what it takes to navigate both the beauty and difficulties of homeland life and why teaching the next generation about where they come from, and the importance of bilingual learning, and respect has never been more important.

Margaret Dhorrpuy Munyarryun

Credits:

Two Worlds, One Health is created by Dr Sarah Hanieh

Host: Dr Sarah Hanieh

Production assistance: Lindy Marlow

Artwork: Ruth Gulamanda Dhurrkay and Rickisha Banba Gurruwiwi

Theme music: Luki Manymak Ngatha, Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up and singer/writer Shellie Morris

Photo credit: Ros Beadle

Mixed by Max Gosford

Thanks to Joel Supple for her guidance.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Yolŋu people in Galiwin’ku. I pay my respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge their ongoing connection to the land, water, and culture.

Links:

www.thumbsup.org.au

https://www.eastarnhemland.com.au/elcho-island-arts