Graeme Cordiner is 20 years part of the Myall Creek Massacre Memorial, and a fundraiser for Yiŋiya (Yingiya) Mark Guyula’s 2016 & 2020 election campaigns.
This post is to introduce readers to a largely unheard-of man, but a man whose voice needs to be heard, listened to, not just as an MP in the Northern Territory, nor as a Djirrikaymirr (senior leader) of his people, the Yolgnu country of east Arnhem Land – but by all Australians.
Yingiya grew up in traditional culture, his spirit shaped by Madayin (system of law) and Ŋärra’ (governance institution of law). Aged ten he started to undertake a Western education, in turn becoming an aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, cross-cultural and community facilitator, senior university lecturer, and Independent MP (overturning a sitting deputy leader by 8 votes in 2016).
Yingiya, who was re-elected in 2020, speaks directly and powerfully to us out of a civilisation which for tens of thousands of years maintained peace, justice and harmony. Yolŋu Rom Ŋurruŋu is a message from the Yolgnu for all Australians. It speaks of the foundation of all relationships since the time of creation, challenging our nation – and world – to see where our feet first left the path.
Until now we have not listened. We have refused to meet as humble equals with a civilisation so very much older than our own with other than our cultural assumption that ‘We know best’. And then we blame them for the community fallout from the overwhelming inroads of our Western world. The very people who alone can give us that core sense of ourselves as a nation remain on the margins.
Yingiya is fighting for a partnership and treaty that respects the authority of Aboriginal nations on their own country. In so doing what Yingiya is ultimately fighting for is the soul of Australia.
That we can assist in getting his message out is our privilege. The talk with take place on Tuesday 28 September at 7.30pm. Register your details here.
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