Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi made a 3,000-kilometer journey from an isolated island of the Australian Northern Territory to the state of Victoria for the most special moment in his family's life – his granddaughter's graduation.

A Travel Across Australia

Gali made a trip from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island in north-east Arnhem Land to Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, Victori.The distance between his remote home and the college his granddaughter Sasha Mulungunhawuy Yumbulul was studying at was approximately 3,000 kilometers or around 1,860 miles.

To Gali, however, such a difficult journey was a reward itself because he wished to attend his granddaughter's Year 10 graduation.

"It was his dream, to dance with his granddaughters here," Gali's wife Jane Garrutju explained.

A Proud Grandfather

Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi was a Yolngu Mala leader who performed as the Morning Star dancer. Gali spoke mostly in his native Galpu clan language, while his wife translated what he said.Gali conveyed how proud he was of his daughters, Sasha and Alicia, as well as of their education.Feeling unwell at the time of the ceremony, Gali nevertheless decided to take part in a special performance.

A Traditional Dance at the Graduation

Gali danced with Sasha and her sister for a traditional Yolngu dance known as Lunggurrma, which means "north wind."A feathered ceremonial Banumbirr or a Morning Star pole was used during the dance.For Sasha, participating in the dance together with her grandfather made this graduation quite special.As she noted, dancing with her grandparents was one of those things she loved doing back at home on Elcho Island.

Combining Culture with Education

Sasha was boarding at Worawa Aboriginal College for more than two years, separated from her family and her community.However, during that time, she managed to strengthen her cultural identity while attending classes with students from different communities.In addition, she talked about missing all the things she loved to do back at home such as hunting, fishing, gathering oysters and mangrove worms, traditional dancing, and storytelling.

The Family's Dream for the Future

The family had supported Sasha’s education because they believed that it would open up possibilities for her yet retain her cultural identity.Similarly, her grandfather stressed the importance of having knowledge of your origins and keeping cultural traditions intact.According to Sasha, she wished to pursue her education further, and after that to be a nurse working with the Australian community.

An Unforgettable Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony of Sasha had been more than just the awarding of a certificate to her. It was an event that united her education, family and tradition.

Her grandfather's journey from Elcho Island, along with his traditional dancing, turned the graduation ceremony into a generational event.

  • Gali traveled about 3,000 kilometers to attend the graduation ceremony.
  • He belonged to Galiwin’ku from Elcho Island.
  • Sasha graduated from Year 10 at Worawa Aboriginal College.
  • Gali performed the traditional Lunggurrma dance.
  • The dance involved his granddaughters Sasha and Alicia.
  • Sasha retained close connection with her Yolngu culture during her education.