“Yinyamarra Yambuwan” or "Respecting Everything" is a creative collaboration between Charles Sturt University's Bernard Sullivan and Wiradjuri elders, including Uncle Stan Grant Senior. Uncle Stan, who has a doctorate from Charles Sturt University, is principally responsible for restoring and teaching Wiradjuri language in New South Wales.
The filmmaker, Bernard Sullivan, paid tribute to his Wiradjuri mentor and teacher.
Mr Sullivan told NITV: “When I was talking to Uncle Stan Grant about working on country… He said that originally when people came onto country they spoke the language of that country, and if you went on to their country, you’d speak their language. My family had been on Wiradjuri country for several generations, and as far as I know I’m the first person to learn how to speak Wiradjuri… I leant in the process of making the film.
“Yinyamarra is about showing respect, so the language is also an aspect of showing that respect.
“Mr Grant’s role in revitalising Wiradjuri language and culture is irreplaceable and unique,” he says.
“An award like this is fantastic, because what it means for Wiradjuri people, for the Wiradjuri elders who were involved in this, what it means is that their culture is being shown respect, is being recognized by the mainstream, by the broader community and as that information about what Yinyamarra is get out to people, they’re going to recognize Wiradjuri people and show respect.”
