Yalmay Yunupingu: The Bilingual Warrior and Champion of Indigenous Education

As we Celebrate  International Youth Day, it is fitting to celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to empowering the younger generations. One such extraordinary figure is Yalmay Yunupingu, a senior Yolngu leader and retired teacher linguist at the Yirrkala Bilingual School in north-east Arnhem Land. For almost four decades, Ms. Yunupingu has been a bilingual educator, fostering a deep appreciation for Yolngu language, culture, and heritage among her students. As we honor her legacy, let us delve into the story of this inspiring woman who has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young learners.

A Legacy of Love and Dedication:

Described by those closest to her as the “mother of the school,” Yalmay Yunupingu has exemplified unwavering love and dedication to her students, colleagues, and community. Throughout her career, she has been a gentle, loving, and resilient presence, serving as an influential role model for generations of learners. Her commitment to preserving the Yolngu language and culture has been central to her teaching philosophy, making her a true pillar of the Yirrkala Bilingual School.

A Journey of Learning and Teaching:

Yalmay’s journey as an educator began in the community’s library, where her passion for books and knowledge ignited. Her aspiration to become a teacher librarian paved the way for her subsequent career in bilingual education. From translating Dr. Seuss books to teaching “both ways” bilingual classes, she and her late husband, Dr. M Yunupingu, the lead singer of Yothu Yindi, formed a formidable team that empowered young learners and instilled confidence in their identities.

The Bilingual Warrior:

Throughout her career, Yalmay Yunupingu proved herself to be a “bilingual warrior” – a passionate advocate for bilingual learning. She firmly resisted government policies that sought to dismantle the hard work done by her and her colleagues. When faced with the challenge of teaching classes in English-only, Yalmay and her team took a courageous stand, preserving their unique garma curriculum, which teaches Yolngu knowledge at the school.

A Champion of Indigenous Education:

Beyond her influence on the children, Yalmay’s impact extended to her colleagues as well. Colleagues spoke of her ability to bring out the best in others, helping them find strength, voice, and confidence in themselves. As a fully-qualified Yolngu teacher, she recognised the importance of fostering a new generation of local teachers who could continue her legacy and ensure the perpetuation of the Yirrkala school’s vision of “both ways” teaching.

A New Chapter and Continuing the Legacy:

After decades of devoted service, Yalmay Yunupingu has decided to step back from active teaching. Her decision comes amidst personal loss and a desire to spend more time with her family and grandchildren. However, her retirement does not signal the end of her influence. As the Yirrkala school council’s chairperson, she remains an integral part of the institution and continues to inspire others to carry forward her mission.

We celebrate the incomparable contributions of Yalmay Yunupingu to the world of education, culture, and language preservation. As a bilingual warrior and champion of Indigenous education, her impact will resonate for generations to come. Through her love, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community, Yalmay has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who have had the privilege to learn from her. As the Yirrkala school continues to uphold the vision of “both ways” teaching, her legacy will live on, guiding future generations toward a brighter, more culturally enriched future.