Walking forward with tradition: A Yolŋu young leader bridging two worlds

How do you navigate a future shaped by both tradition and change? For young Yolŋu leaders, the path forward isn’t always clear. Tradition is strong, but modern influences - like social media - are changing the way young people connect with culture, community, and Elders. With these shifts, tough questions arise: What traditions do you hold onto? What do you adapt? And how do you make space for both worlds? In this episode, Zelda Dhamarrandji, a young Yolŋu leader shares her experience of growing up in Galiwin’ku, where cultural knowledge and modern influences intersect. She reflects on the responsibility of carrying forward cultural knowledge, the pressures of the modern world, and what it means to move forward while staying connected to the past.

What does leadership look like for the next generation? And how does a young Yolŋu woman imagine the future?

Growing up in Galiwin’ku, Zelda has learned to navigate these questions firsthand. Grounded in culture and community, she also faces the realities of a fast-changing world.

In this episode, Sarah and Zelda talk about the role of young leaders in shaping the future of Galiwin’ku. She shares her thoughts on the importance of cultural knowledge, the impact of social media on the next generation, and why it’s more important than ever for young Yolŋu to step up as leaders.

We have to get a lot of young people, young role models to jump out and speak out. We have to get the young people to represent.  We have to stand for our rights, and for our community, and our people.

Zelda

Credits:

Two Worlds, One Health is created by Dr Sarah Hanieh

Field Host: Dr Sarah Hanieh

Studio Host: Kerri-Lee Barry

Production assistance: Lindy Marlow

Artwork: Ruth Gulamanda Dhurrkay and Rickisha Banba Gurruwiwi

Photo credit: Lindy Marlow

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.