WAGGA City Library is proud to be a part of a series of public events to launch the new book Yindyamarra Yambuwan published by Sharing and Learning.
The launch will take place July 1, 2017 at 3pm at the library and will include a screening of the film of the same name followed by a discussion and readings from the book.
Held on the eve of NAIDOC Week, the launch has special significance as this year’s NAIDOC week focus is ‘Our Language Matters’.
Special guests at the event will include Aunty Flo Grant, Dr Uncle Stan Grant Sr AM, Professor Emeritus Stephen Kemmis as well as author Dr Bernard Sullivan.
This new publication is based on the film Yindyamarra Yambuwan, about the Wiradjuri way of life, centred around the concept of Yindyamarra.
Yindyamarra is often translated as “respect”, however, it has multiple meanings including to give honour, go slow, and take responsibility.
The book and film both describe a field of mutual respect that is the Wiradjuri way of life.
The book contains the poetic text of the film, in Wiradjuri, with both word-for-word and flowing English translations.
Murun-wi-gi-nya Yindyamarra murun-murru ngurambang wirimbirra
Murun-wi-gi-nya Living-and-breathing Yindyamarra murun-murru life path (way of life) ngurambang wirimbirra country cares for
Living a Yindyamarra way of life cares for country.
Both the book and film were developed through conversations with Elders about what is important to Wiradjuri people.
The book offers a profound exploration of the unique and beautiful concept of Yindyamarra.
It features short essays on Yindyamarra, the importance of language, and how the project was developed.
... to work together with mutual respect towards greater understanding.
- Christine Bolton
The book is accessible to the general reader, even if they are not familiar with Wiradjuri, and is a rich resource for those who wish explore Wiradjuri language and culture.
Yindyamarra, as a way of life, shows all of us who are living on Wiradjuri country a way to be at home here, and to work together with mutual respect towards greater understanding.
Copies of the book and the film are available for purchase at the launch.
