Our elders established ranger groups for us over the last 30 years, called Dhimurru and Yirralka, to manage the impacts of others and to keep our Country healthy. We have always referred to ourselves as ‘djäkami wäŋawu’ – carers for Country. It is now time to make that our official name because the word ‘ranger’ does not recognize our law. Changing our name from ‘ranger’ back to ‘djäkami’ redefines what it means to look after Country and prioritises what matters to us. Djäkami need to be strong in Yolŋu law, strong in culture and undertake kinship rights and responsibilities to Country and to each other. This is the foundation of our lives and it defines our identity. We welcome you to learn what it means to be a Djäkami for Country and what that means for Dhimurru and Yirralka in their future directions.
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“A long time ago all the old people used to live together as one. Everyone looked after the land together. They moved together from places to places and took good care of the Country. The land welcomed them. They worked on the land, caring for it, doing fire management, hunting for animals, singing the songs and doing dances together, like the rangers are doing these days.”
DJAŊGAL MUNUŊGURRITJ
Caring for our Indigenous Protected Areas
Dhimurru Rangers
Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation
11 Arnhem Road, Nhulunbuy NT 0880
Yirralka Ranger
Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation
86 Galpu Rd, Yirrkala NT 0881