Leadership

Djägamirr Mala (Caretaker and Advisory Board):

The Djägamirr Mala play an important role in guiding Djalkiri Keeping Place as it works towards self-governance of its collections. Djägamirr Mala are intended to both protect and advise Djalkiri and its staff – helping to guide the use, governance and cultural processes of the growing collections in accordance with Yolŋu law and wishes. Djägamirr Mala include:

  • Ruth Ŋalmakarra
  • Yiŋinya Mark Guyula
  • Keith Lapuluŋ
  • Joe Dhamanydji
  • George Milaypuma
  • Leonard Bowayŋu

Gwen Warmbirrirr Ganambarr – Collections Djägamirr (caretaker):

Warmbirrirr is an experienced educator and community leader from Milingimbi with over 40 years of teaching experience. Gwen has dedicated her career to both education and community development, emphasising the transmission of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage among young people. As a visionary leader, she has been instrumental in establishing pathways for intergenerational learning. At Djalkiri Keeping Place, Warmbirrirr uses her deep historical knowledge of Milingimbi and its people to bring back photo collections and enrich their metadata, preparing them for our database. She is constantly engaging the community in these collections by sharing images, speaking with community members, and bringing back memories. She also uses her translation skills in Djalkiri and the Art Centre to assist with artwork stories and meetings, as well as being a waver herself.

Jacinta Burukumalawuy – Collections Djägamirr (caretaker):

Burukumalawuy works to record and translate artwork stories, enrich metadata on photographic collections, assist community members with database access, and more. She brings her strong interest in history, bilingual and translation skills, and extensive experience as a librarian to her work. Burukumalawuy has strong culture, a strong interest in art and story, and is an emerging leader in Milingimbi. Having begun in Djalkiri, Burukumalawuy now also works as a key artsworker at Milingimbi Art and Culture managing cataloguing, projects and more.