Djuwalpi Marika

About Djuwalpi

I am a Rirratjiŋu man from a senior family of Mathaman and Mawalan Marika, and I have power and authority in Yolŋu rom about land and art. My mother is Yinitjuwa from Gangan, Dhalwangu clan. I am from Yalaŋbara, Yirrkala and Nhulunbuy, and my skin name is Balaŋ. I have two boys and two girls, and eight grandchildren. My career and background is as a council clerk, and one of my roles and ambitions is working with HR, government and stakeholders. When the intervention came, I did a lot of advocacy and set up a barricade with all Yolŋu and leadership. I’ve been on the Miwatj Health board for 15 years. I studied in Adelaide in 1985-86, and worked at Nungalinya as a cross-cultural co-ordinator. Currently, I am studying at CDU, working part time at Yirrkala CEC as a cultural advisor, and working in the WCE Initiative. My ambition is alwasy to work with people to give motivation, inspiration, and empowerment, and navigate ways tailored to Yolŋu self-determination. The WCE Initiative will help find ways for us to be part of education and bring the community voice at louder volume, and ways for us to take further education and retain spirituality, identity and culture, preserve our lifestyle and a good and healthy environment.