We want to learn more about our Country and culture and how to look after it

It’s important for Yangbala (Young people) to learn from the old people about cultural ways and become strong leaders. We got funding from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) to help us set up the Yangbala project in Ngukurr to work with elders out on Country and learn about: local animals, plants and cultural stories; how to care for Country; managing our own projects; and become more confident. We are looking after important bush food places and culturally significant sites like a Duymanji (bush potato) patch near Ngukurr and Bulubuluritj (spring area). We use technologies like video and computers to record the stories and knowledge. We are also sharing some of our plant and animal knowledge and language names on the ALA website and are making a book. There are more than 7 traditional languages in south east Arnhem Land and we are working with the Ngukurr Language Centre to learn more of these as most people speak Kriol these days. We have to do this now before the old people pass away. Cherry Daniels talks to us about commitment – we need to be committed to this work for the future of our people and our Country.