Wägilak

The Wägilak are Yolŋu and everything in the Yolŋu ​ universe – people, plants, animals, water, stars belong to the Dhuwa or Yirritja moiety. The morning star, the sun, the dolphin, the blue-tongue lizard are all Dhuwa, whilst Djulpan (Orion), the moon, the crocodile and emu are all Yirritja. The late Mr Waṉapuyŋu was deeply concerned that the stories, songs and cultural knowledge he carried be passed on to present and future generations. He was committed first and foremost to the transmission of knowledge to Wägilak young people but also believed it was critically important to teach balanda (white fellas), and that balanda must learn about and understand Wägilak relationship with Country and culture.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Arts
Design and Technology
English
Health and Physical Education
Reanie Billy and Patricia Forbes show us the process of creating a ḏimbuka from start to finish.
Wägilak Custodian Derek Waṉapuyŋu introduces us to the Gaḏayka Stringybark tree, which features in the story of Gandjaḻaḻa the Sugarbag Hunter.
Wägilak Senior Custodian Russell Waṉapuyŋu, welcome you to share in Wägilak knowledge.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Arts
English
HASS
Health and Physical Education
Year levels: 5 2 lessons
Students begin this lesson by investigating why Aboriginal stories exist and the varied ways in which they are transmitted.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
English
Health and Physical Education
Science
Year levels: 5 3 lessons
Students examine the symbolic and practical roles of the native honey bees in the Gandjaḻaḻa story.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Arts
English
Health and Physical Education
Year levels: 6 3 lessons
English
HASS
Health and Physical Education
Year levels: 4 3 lessons
By mapping Gandjaḻaḻa’s journey and following the flight of the sugarbag bees, students learn how clan groups were named.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
English
HASS
Health and Physical Education
Year levels: 5 2 lessons
This unit concentrates on the role of culture in keeping Wägilak individuals and communities strong, and the reciprocal responsibilities of individuals and communities in protecting culture.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Arts
Design and Technology
English
Health and Physical Education
Year levels: 7 2 lessons
This focus area is an exploration of the art and design work in Wägilak communities.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the content on this site may contain images and references to deceased persons.

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