Graduation is a momentous occasion for any young person—a time of celebration, reflection, and dreams for the future. But for Sasha Mulungunhaway Yambulul, this milestone was marked by an extraordinary act of love and dedication. Her grandfather, Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi, embarked on a journey of nearly 2,000 miles across the vast landscapes of Australia to witness her special day.
What drives a man to undertake such a journey, and what deeper meaning does this moment hold for their family and their culture? As we uncover the story behind Gali’s remarkable voyage, we explore not only the ties that bind a grandfather to his granddaughter but also the enduring power of tradition in a rapidly changing world.
Sasha’s Graduation: A Milestone of Cultural and Educational Achievement
Sasha Mulungunhaway Yambulul’s graduation from Worawa Aboriginal College in 2015 was not just a personal triumph but a celebration of cultural identity and resilience. Worawa Aboriginal College, located in Healesville, Victoria, offers a unique educational experience that combines mainstream curriculum with Aboriginal cultural teachings. Established in 1983, the college was founded to provide a supportive environment for Aboriginal students who faced challenges in mainstream education. It aims to instill pride in Aboriginal heritage while equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers and contributions to their communities.
Sasha’s journey at Worawa was marked by a deep connection to her cultural roots. Despite being away from home, her education at Worawa only strengthened her ties to her community. She learned about other Indigenous languages and cultures, broadening her understanding of her heritage. Sasha has said, “I speak three Indigenous languages,” and her time at the college allowed her to learn even more from different Indigenous communities across Australia.
The college’s holistic approach to education also focuses on personal development and life skills, providing students with experiences that build self-esteem, confidence, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Sasha’s experience at Worawa reflected this balance, as she embraced both traditional Aboriginal teachings and the skills needed to navigate the modern world. She said, “Going to a boarding school like this actually strengthened my connection to my culture”.
Sasha’s graduation marked not only her achievement in completing Year 10 but also her ability to “walk proudly in both worlds.” The significance of her education goes beyond academics; it symbolizes the intersection of traditional knowledge and contemporary opportunities, illustrating how Indigenous youth can honor their cultural heritage while striving for success in broader society.
Gali’s Journey and Its Cultural Significance
Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi’s journey to his granddaughter Sasha’s graduation was a powerful expression of cultural pride and familial love. A respected Yolngu Mala leader and known as the “Morning Star dancer,” Gali traveled over 2,000 miles from his home in Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island, off the coast of Northern Australia, to Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, Victoria. This trip was not just a physical journey but also a meaningful tribute to his granddaughter’s achievement and a reaffirmation of their cultural heritage.
Gali’s wife, Jane Garrutju, translated his sentiments, revealing that it was his dream to dance with his granddaughters at their graduations—a dream he fulfilled at Sasha’s ceremony. “I am proud of my grandchildren, Sasha and Alicia,” he said. “I am proud that this college was taken care of and that they got a good education”. Despite feeling unwell on the morning of the ceremony, Gali insisted on performing a traditional dance known as “Lunggurrma,” or “north wind,” alongside Sasha and her sister Alicia. This dance, which involves the sacred Morning Star pole or “Banumbirr,” symbolizes the connection between the earth and the heavens, representing the spiritual significance of their cultural traditions.
Gali’s journey underscored the importance of family and cultural continuity in Indigenous communities. Traveling such a long distance to attend Sasha’s graduation was a testament to the values of commitment and respect within their culture. In many Indigenous communities, elders like Gali play a crucial role in passing down knowledge, traditions, and cultural practices. Gali, as a cultural custodian, was determined to see his granddaughter walk a path that honors both her heritage and her future aspirations.
His presence at Sasha’s graduation exemplifies the importance of upholding cultural traditions amidst modern changes. As an internationally acclaimed artist, Gali dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the Banumbirr tradition, a sacred aspect of the Galpu culture. His decision to travel despite health concerns and his insistence on participating in the graduation dance reflected his deep commitment to maintaining cultural heritage and inspiring future generations.
The Role of Tradition: Dances and Cultural Celebrations
In the context of Sasha’s graduation, traditional dances like the “Lunggurrma” played a central role in honoring cultural heritage and celebrating a significant life milestone. The “Lunggurrma,” which translates to “north wind,” is a ceremonial dance performed with a feathered Morning Star pole, known as “Banumbirr.” This dance holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Yolngu people, representing the connection between the earthly and the spiritual realms.
Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi, Sasha’s grandfather, has long been known for his dedication to preserving and performing these traditional dances. Even though he felt unwell on the day of Sasha’s graduation, he remained committed to dancing with his granddaughters, illustrating the depth of his commitment to their cultural practices. As Jane Garrutju, Gali’s wife, translated, “He dreamed of dancing with his granddaughters at their graduation someday”—a dream he realized that day.
Traditional dances like the “Lunggurrma” are more than performances; they are acts of cultural preservation that keep the heritage alive for future generations. These dances are a way to pass on knowledge, history, and spiritual beliefs, reinforcing the identity of the community and their connection to the land. The Banumbirr, central to the “Lunggurrma” dance, is particularly significant as it symbolizes the Morning Star, a sacred aspect of the Galpu culture. It is used to communicate messages between clans and to connect the spiritual and physical worlds.
Studies on the role of traditional dances in Indigenous cultures highlight their importance in community cohesion, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and spiritual expression. According to research, such dances are integral in maintaining the social fabric of communities, providing a sense of continuity and identity in the face of external changes.
For Sasha, participating in these dances with her grandfather was a way to feel connected to her roots, despite the distance from home. As she expressed, “When visitors come to Elcho Island, my grandfather always dances, and all the grandchildren dance with him. I always love to dance with my grandparents. This was a bit unique”. This statement reflects how cultural celebrations serve not only as reminders of one’s heritage but also as a bridge that connects different generations.
Sasha’s Aspirations and the Balance of Heritage and Modernity
Sasha Mulungunhaway Yambulul embodies a unique blend of cultural pride and forward-looking ambition, striving to maintain a balance between her Indigenous heritage and her aspirations in the modern world. After graduating from Worawa Aboriginal College, Sasha expressed her desire to further her education by completing years 11 and 12 at Clontarf Aboriginal College in Western Australia. She dreams of becoming a nurse, a profession where she hopes to serve both her local community on Elcho Island and the wider society in Melbourne.
Sasha’s ambitions are deeply rooted in her cultural values. Despite her academic and professional goals, she remains committed to her cultural identity and practices. She emphasized her love for traditional activities, stating, “I love hunting, looking for oysters and fishing, looking for mangrove worms, and dancing traditional, which we call bunggul. That’s what I miss, and telling stories around the campfire”. For Sasha, these practices are not merely hobbies; they are essential elements of her heritage that provide her with a sense of identity and belonging.
Her education at Worawa Aboriginal College strengthened her connection to her roots. “Going to a boarding school like this actually strengthened my connection to my culture,” Sasha remarked. The college’s unique curriculum, which integrates Indigenous cultural teachings with mainstream education, allowed her to learn not only about her own culture but also to gain insights into other Indigenous communities across Australia. She hopes to continue this journey of cultural learning and sharing as she moves forward.
Sasha also aspires to be a role model for other young Indigenous girls, showing them that they can “branch out and become whatever they choose” without having to sacrifice their cultural values. She wants to teach others about her culture and remain an active participant in it, demonstrating that embracing both heritage and modernity is not only possible but enriching. “I also want to be a role model to younger girls and show them that they can do something with their lives and be happy,” Sasha shared.
Balancing Cultural Heritage with Modern Life
- Stay Engaged with Cultural Practices
Regularly participate in community events, ceremonies, and traditional activities, such as dancing or storytelling. These help maintain a connection to your heritage and keep traditions alive. Sasha’s love for traditional dances and storytelling with her grandparents is a great example of this engagement. - Incorporate Cultural Elements into Daily Life
Find simple ways to bring cultural traditions into everyday routines, like cooking traditional foods or speaking your native language at home. These practices keep cultural identity strong while navigating modern life. - Use Education to Strengthen Cultural Ties
Choose educational opportunities that respect and incorporate cultural teachings, like Sasha did at Worawa Aboriginal College. Advocate for Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in schools to create a more inclusive learning environment. - Find Role Models and Mentors
Look up to those who successfully balance cultural values with modern achievements, such as community leaders or family members like Sasha’s grandfather, Gali, who preserved traditions through dance and art. - Leverage Modern Tools for Cultural Preservation
Utilize digital platforms to document and share cultural stories, practices, and traditions. This helps keep them alive for future generations and allows others to learn and appreciate them. - Pursue Careers that Align with Cultural Values
Consider career paths that allow for cultural engagement and service to your community. Sasha’s aspiration to become a nurse while teaching others about her culture reflects this balance.
Walking Proudly in Two Worlds
Sasha Mulungunhaway Yambulul’s story is a powerful example of how embracing one’s cultural roots while pursuing modern dreams can lead to a balanced and fulfilling life. Her grandfather, Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi’s long journey to her graduation was more than just a gesture of love—it was a reaffirmation of the importance of cultural heritage in every aspect of life.
Sasha’s commitment to her education, coupled with her dedication to maintaining her cultural traditions, demonstrates that it is possible to walk proudly in both worlds. Her story inspires us to reflect on the value of knowing where we come from while exploring where we are headed, proving that heritage and modernity can coexist harmoniously.
By integrating traditional practices into daily life, finding role models who embody this balance, and leveraging education and modern tools to preserve culture, young people can honor their roots while confidently navigating the future. Sasha’s journey reminds us that the path to a meaningful life often lies at the intersection of past and present, where we find the strength to be both who we are and who we aspire to become.