Inspiring

Aboriginal Man Travels 2,000 Miles To Attend His Granddaughter’s Graduation

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6 years ago

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Jan 02, 2018 10:23pm EST

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Mark Andrew

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Graduations are among life’s most important milestones and so it deserves to be witnessed by loved ones. Such this the case with Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi who made it a point to appear at the occasion when his granddaughter finally finished schooling.

The aboriginal elder traveled over 2,000 miles from a remote island in Arnhem Land to the Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, north-east of Melbourne, Australia where Sasha, his granddaughter, is set to graduate from year 10.

He’s one proud grandfather indeed!

Source: Margaret Burin

In an ABC feature, Gali said:

“I am proud of my grandchildren, Sasha and Alicia, I am proud that this college was taken care of and that they got a good education.”

The article further tells us that the old man went to the ceremony “despite feeling unwell on the morning”.

Gali is a Yolngu Mala leader, known as the Morning Star dancer. He does not know his exact age.

Source: Margaret Burin

With two of his granddaughters, Gali performed a special traditional dance called Lunggurrma, which means “north wind”.

Sasha shared:

“When visitors come to Elcho Island my grandfather always dances, and all the grandchildren dance with him.

“I always love to dance with my grandparents.

“This was a bit unique.”

Sasha is proud not only of her achievement but also of her culture.

Source: Margaret Burin

She added:

“I love hunting, looking for oysters and fishing and looking for mangrove worms and dancing traditional, we call it bunggul, that’s what I miss, and telling stories around the campfire.

“I speak three Indigenous languages.

“Going to a boarding school like this, I learnt new Indigenous languages and cultures from different communities as well.”

Sasha hopes to complete year 11 and 12 at the Clontarf Aboriginal College. She hopes to work as a nurse someday. As she further said:

“I would still love to practice culture and teach people my culture. I also want to be a role model to younger girls and show them that they can do something with their lives and be happy.”