Our Homelands

Located on the southern end of a large wetland, very close to Blue Mud Bay, Bälma is the country of the Djarrwark people. They are closely connected to the communities of Gäṉgaṉ, Waṉḏawuy, Djarrakpi, Barraratjpi, Bäniyala, Gurkawuy, Dhuruputjpi, Rurraŋala and Bukuḏal, who all refer to themselves as Djalkiripuyŋu.

In the 1970s the parents and families decided to establish a permanent base on their country at Bälma. The Bälma families have worked hard to ensure they provide the best opportunities for their children.

A successful garden has been growing for several years producing carrots, beans, bananas, etc but has come under increasing pressure from buffalo in recent years. Koolatong River, famous for it’s fishing is close by to Bäḻma Homeland. Please check with Northern Land Council on the current availability for the Koolatong River and to obtain a permit. Please note this permit does not give you access to Bäḻma Homeland, only the Koolatong River recreational area.

Bäniyala is on the north-eastern coast of Arnhem Land. The community maintains strong cultural and spiritual connections to their ancestral lands, with daily life revolving around fishing, hunting, and caring for country. Bäniyala is part of the historic Blue Mud Bay region, where the 2008 Blue Mud Bay legal decision recognised the Yolŋu people’s rights over tidal waters, securing their control over fishing and protecting traditional practices.

The community is also renowned for its world-famous artists, including Djambawa Marawili, whose works can be viewed at the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Art Centre in Yirrkala.

Bäniyala offers the Dholuwuy Campground with fresh water, showers, and a kitchenette, alongside its own accommodation block.

baniyala.com

Barrkira, on the ancestral land of the Golumala people, is closely connected to the peoples living at Raymaŋgirr, Burrum, Gutjaŋan and Yäŋunbi. There are representatives from several clan-nations living at Barrkira: Golumala (land owners), Gupapuyŋu, Rirratjiŋu, Wangurri and Gumatj.

Barrkira is a coastal community where fish, stingray, turtle and shellfish are a major part of the people’s diet.

Birany Birany is a Gumatj Homeland. Laynhapuy provide Health and Rangers services only.

Bukudal, a coastal community about 50 kilometres north of Blue Mud Bay, is the ancestral estate of the Djapu people.

The families of Bukudal call themselves Dhanbul, because Banumbirr (morning star) came from this place to other Dhuwa countries connected with Dhanbul ancestry. Bukudal families have associations with the communities of Bälma, Yilpara, Gangan, Wanda, Djarrakpi, Barraratjpi, Gurka, Dhuruputjpi who all refer to themselves as Djalkiripuyŋu.

Sea-foods such as fish, turtle, shellfish and stingray are a significant part of the diet.

Burrum is Gupapuyŋu Birrkili estate and closely linked to Luŋgutja (Hardy Island) and Yalakun, though it is cared for by both Gupapuyŋu Birrkili and Liya-lanmirr Gupapuyŋu.

Burrum is closely connected to Yalakun and Raymaŋgirr. These three homelands work very closely together. Burrum families support the development of Raymaŋgirr as a base to support all three homelands for schooling secondary children.

Dhalinybuy is a well established Homeland on the Cato River that flows into Arnhem Bay. A range of cultural tours and camping is available to book, for the opportunity to immerse yourself into Yolŋu life, culture and history. For more information visit East Arnhem Land’s website.

Dhalinybuy is large and very well established homeland on fertile soil on the Cato River that flows into Arnhem Bay. The community are strong and proud of their Wangurri heritage.

Cato River is open for fishing and camping, a permit must be obtained by Northern Land Council. Please note this permit does not give you permission to enter Dhalinybuy Homeland, only the Cato River Recreational Area.

Dhuruputjpi is located inland from Blue Mud Bay which became the centre for Indigenous land and sea rights. The people of Dhuruputjpi call themselves Djalkiripuyŋu. They are closely connected to the communities of Yilpara, Gangan, Wandawuy, Djarrakpi, Barraratjpi, Bälma, Gurka, Rurraŋala and Bukudal, who all refer to themselves as Djalkiripuyŋu.

In July 2008 Djambawa and Gawirrin as spokespeople for the Dhudi-Djapu, Gupa-Djapu, Munyuku, Marrakulu, Maŋgalili, Djarrwark, and Dhapuyŋu clan-nations won a landmark case against the NT government that gave exclusive rights to the Yolŋu over the intertidal zone.

Doyndji is one of the more remote homelands, located on the outskirts of the Mitchell Ranges, and has been featured in the documentary Homeland Story | Off The Leash.

Gangan, ancestral land of the Dhalwaŋu people, is a remote inland riverside community. One the largest homelands in east Arnhemland, it has strong, cohesive and forward thinking leadership. Gangan community artists are well known both nationally and internationally.

The community is determined to secure a sustainable and independent future for their children on their ancestral country. Fish, turtle and freshwater shellfish are a significant part of the community diet.

Gapuwiyak is a Yolŋu community located in north-eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, situated on the shores of Lake Evella. The name Gapuwiyak comes from Yolŋu language meaning “brackish water”. The community lies roughly 220 kilometres west of Nhulunbuy.

The settlement grew around a timber mill in the 1960s and became Aboriginal land in the 1970s under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. Over time, Gapuwiyak has developed into a centre for culture, education, and community life, with a local school and a variety of services supporting residents.

Gapuwiyak is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre supports local artists, helping preserve traditional bark painting, weaving, carving, and ceremonial art, while sharing Yolŋu culture with visitors.

Gutjaŋan is a small, strong, community, located on on Dhambaliya (Bremmer Island), is the ancestral land of the Warramiri people.

Banubanu Beach Retreat is close by to Gutjangan homeland on Bremmer Island, for more information please visit Banubanu Beach Retreat Website. Please note that visiting Banubanu does not give you permission to access to Gutjangan Homeland, only the Banubanu resort.

Mirrngatja is located on the edge of the Arafura Swamp, where the Banded Rainbowfish was first discovered, as referenced in the AQUAGREEN Fact Sheet. It is also associated with the early establishment of the Ramingining Rangers.

Yangunbi is a small neighbouring community to Yudu Yudu, located on the edge of a swamp and close to the Dhimurru Scout Camp recreation area.

Yuḏuyuḏu is a small, secluded community overlooking Gove Harbour, situated near the Dhimurru Scout Camp recreation area. It is also home to well-known artist Gayili Marika, whose art can be seen at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre.