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
History
Visual Arts
Year levels: 7 4 lessons
Students gain insight into the cultural meaning of tribal markings and possum skin cloak making. They study the evolution of traditional clothing styles and materials into contemporary First Nations' fashion designs that are sought after in mainstream markets.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Visual Arts
Year levels: 7 5 lessons
Students explore First Nations' Arts Practices in various communities. They see the weaving and painting practices of the Wagilak community and experiment with the process of botanical dyeing. They create their own unique artworks using natural elements.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
English
HASS
Health and Physical Education
Visual Arts
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
English
Health and Physical Education
Visual Arts
Year levels: 6 3 lessons
This focus area concentrates on building an understanding of the fundamental connection between all things in Wägilak Country. It examines the relationship between story and Country by following Gandjaḻaḻa’s journey, listening to the voices and music of the Wägilak people and watching dance and ceremony.
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
Design and Technologies
English
Health and Physical Education
Visual Arts
Year levels: 7 2 lessons
This focus area is an exploration of the art and design work in Wägilak communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
English
Year levels: 7 3 lessons
Students will examine the language used in descriptions of water, text types and illustrations used in the stories.

Warning

 

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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