Thursday, 10 December 2009

Discovering Elcho Island









Elcho Island is an island off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory Australia. It is located at the southern end of the Wessel Islands group located in the East Arnhem Region. The island's largest community is the settlement of Galiwin'ku. Elcho Island is approximately 55 km long and 6 km across at its widest point. It is bounded on the western side by the Arafura Sea and on the east by the Cadell Strait. Elcho Island is a short distance away from the mainland and Howard Island.


Galiwin'ku, located near the island's southern tip, is the main community on the island. It is the largest Aboriginal community in northeast Arnhem Land, the second largest Aboriginal community (in terms of concentrated population) in the Northern Territory, and ranks eleventh in population of the 69 local government bodies in the Territory. There are a large number of tribal groups, with up to 22 different dialects being used in the community. The people of Galiwin'ku retain their tradition and culture for future generations by strict traditional methods, and through education, embrace the wider Australian community.


The island is home to the largest Aboriginal community in northeast Arnhem Land, with approximately 2,000 residents living in the main settlement of Galiwin'ku and across many outstations including Matamata, Ingliss Island, Maparru, and Gariyak. The island has a base population of 2,200 people, including 70 non-Aboriginal people. It is the home of the Aboriginal folk musician
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
. The population of Galiwin'ku varies during the seasons, with many outstation residents migrating to the community during the wet season due to inaccessibility. The community also serves approximately 25 outstations with a total population of approx. 450 people. Forty-eight per cent of the population is under 20 years of age, with 7% over 50.

Galiwin'ku is a traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access; permission to visit is required by law. The settlement was originally established as a Methodist mission in 1942, with the arrival of Harold Shepherdson, a lay associate of the Methodist Overseas Mission from Milingimbi. It remained under Church direction until 1974 when it became self-managed. Eighteen connected clan groups within the Elcho Island locale have close cultural ties with mainland Arnhem Land clans and language groups. The most commonly spoken languages are Djambarrpuyngu and Gupapuyngu (both Yolngu Matha languages). However, there are at least twelve more languages in use in the region.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some of the Aborginial Health Workers from the Clinic were out at sunset by the water with their husbands when they saw me on the balcony at home. They are so generous and kind an their company so pleasurable, that Cathy and I went down to the water's edge to join them.
According to the youth on the isalnd, Saturday Night in Galinwin'ku means that the "Disco is on....!!!" Many local children attended the Saturday night "Disco" which was held in the Basketball court/area in middle camp.
The children and youth danced and performed on the centre court under the night sky and a canopy of stars. They moved with such freedom, confidence and rhythm.
Unfortunatetly you can not see clearly their beautiful expressions and adorable faces. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our home on Elcho Island from the beach (above) and (below) more beautiful cherubs from the island.
Unfortunately my photos are too dark and obscure to identify the characteristics of their faces. But anyone who meets the children falls in lvoe with them. they are so pure and inncoent. Uncontrollable at times and cheeky, but I attribute that to their free spirit.

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