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.
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.
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