All

In this podcast series, Maratja Dhamarrandji and Richard Trudgen discuss why Balanda (mainstream western Australians) do not recognise Yolngu law, its foundational source, array of evidence, and the many checks and balances that underpin it. One of the main problems leading to this marr-dhumbalyun, confusion, is language.

In this podcast series, Maratja Dhamarrandji and Richard Trudgen discuss why Balanda (mainstream western Australians) do not recognise Yolngu law, its foundational source, array of evidence, and the many checks and balances that underpin it. One of the main problems leading to this marr-dhumbalyun, confusion, is language.

Maratja Dhamarrandji and Richard Trudgen talk about how Yolŋu people have lost their humanity, their respect for the law and for each other that used to be there when Yolŋu leaders applied the original Australian law. Richard talks about how only a few decades ago, Arnhem Land communities were among the safest in Australia. Now, with the loss of culture, identity and leadership, Yolŋu people are attacking each other, youths join gangs and there is more domestic violence and lawlessness than ever before.

Maratja Dhamarrandji and Richard Trudgen discuss how Yolŋu are legally ‘restrained’ or protected under their system of Madayin rom, Yolŋu law. They discuss the stages in which Yolŋu learn about the law through initiation processes and discipline of their mind, body and soul, that continues right through their lives, starting from when they are very small children.

Maratja Dhamarrandji tells Richard Trudgen it's the Balanda mainstream influence that is affecting Yolŋu understanding of law and order.