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YNA Foundational Symbol
This symbol represents a traditional pandanus mat and shows the make up of the Yolŋu Nations governing unit. At the centre is the people in their empowered forum, the Makarr Garma. The Makarr Garma is representative of all the citizens of the land. Next is the executive and administrative operations (Yolngu Nations Aboriginal Corporation- e.g. the Yothu), they offer resource support and help faciltiate the decisions of the elders via the Makarr Dhuni forums in all towns and regions of Yolŋu country, and by the orders of the overarching Yolngu Nations Assembly (the Luku Ŋärra'- e.g. the Yindi) forum.
Strands of the mat unite all the parts of the society and the different governance spaces (Makarr Garma, YNAC, Makarr Dhuni and the Luku Ŋärra'), representing the interlinking and conciliatory nature of the Yolngu Nations Assembly organisation. The strands also go out into the world, representing diplomatic engagement with outside entities and symbolising that Yolngu Nations Assembly is the doorway for proper engagement with the Yolŋu nations. |
The Yolngu Nations Assembly is positioned on the outside circumference of the mat showing that it provides protection and overseeing leadership of the whole society within. This authority is based out of the traditional power base of Ŋärra' rom. It is a whole of nation leadership authority.
The Makarr Dhuni units are founded in the traditional power base of clan, riŋgitj and country. These units are a local leadership authority.
Yolngu Nations Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC), the executive and administration in the symbol, has an authority based in non-indigenous corporate custom but links to traditional authority through its voting membership of Djirrikaymirr, Daḻkarrmirr and Goŋ-gaṉmirr people.
The Makarr Dhuni units are founded in the traditional power base of clan, riŋgitj and country. These units are a local leadership authority.
Yolngu Nations Aboriginal Corporation (YNAC), the executive and administration in the symbol, has an authority based in non-indigenous corporate custom but links to traditional authority through its voting membership of Djirrikaymirr, Daḻkarrmirr and Goŋ-gaṉmirr people.
Yolŋu Nations Assembly (YNA) is a civil organisation developing to facilitate engagement between the Arnhem Land Indigenous form of 'tribal' government and the Australian Westminster form of government, particularly the Northern Territory Government and the Australian Government. YNA is an extension of the Maḏayin system of law (e.g. utilising the systems individual authorities, organisational units like bäpurru and riŋgitj, and by making use of traditional consultative custom like garma, dhuni, ŋärra forums) yet it takes on regional representation as an underpinning, using eight provinces from East, Central and West Arnhem Land. The eight provinces (subject to adjustment) are Miwatj, Laynha, Raminy, Marthakal, Gärriny, Gumurr-Rawarraŋ, Gaṯtjirrik and Miḏiyirrk.
Organisationally, Yolngu Nations Assembly is made up of three parts: the bäpurru (clan) and riŋgitj (clan alliance) based Makarr Dhuni forums, the Yolngu Nations Aboriginal Corporation and the Luku Ŋärra' (Yolngu Nations Assembly) from which the organisation takes it's name.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly aims to provide a governance organisation for Yolngu society that:
YNA is determined to maintain and uphold the Maḏayin system of law that has been operating since time immemorial and continues to operate today. Below is the English part of the original declaration from the inaugural Assembly at Galiwin'ku in October 2011.
"We declare that we have not been conquered.
We declare that to this day we are a sovereign people.
We declare that we are subject to our Madayin system of law constituted by the Unseen Creator of the Universe
and revealed to the Givers of Law: Djaŋ'kawu and Barama,
and we continue to steward this system through our lawful authorities and government.
Our Madayin system of law establishes Mägayamirr- peace, order, and good government; is dhapirrk consistant in its statutes;
and is assented to by all Yolŋu citizens through the Wana Lupthun assent ceremony.
Our Madayin system of law is guarded by the Yothu Yindi separation of powers.
Our Madayin system of law is a rule of law not a rule of man.
Our Madayin system of law is the equal of any other system of law."
Organisationally, Yolngu Nations Assembly is made up of three parts: the bäpurru (clan) and riŋgitj (clan alliance) based Makarr Dhuni forums, the Yolngu Nations Aboriginal Corporation and the Luku Ŋärra' (Yolngu Nations Assembly) from which the organisation takes it's name.
The Yolngu Nations Assembly aims to provide a governance organisation for Yolngu society that:
- Is consistent with the Madayin system of law (the Yolŋu Nations' traditional system of law);
- Facilitates the interests and rights of the subjects of the Maḏayin system of law;
- Provides reasonable compatibility with the Australian Westminster system of governance;
- Empowers existing tribal governance jurisdictions;
- Is a diplomatic agency for outside groups; and
- Enables good governance outcomes that empower and progress Yolngu society.
YNA is determined to maintain and uphold the Maḏayin system of law that has been operating since time immemorial and continues to operate today. Below is the English part of the original declaration from the inaugural Assembly at Galiwin'ku in October 2011.
"We declare that we have not been conquered.
We declare that to this day we are a sovereign people.
We declare that we are subject to our Madayin system of law constituted by the Unseen Creator of the Universe
and revealed to the Givers of Law: Djaŋ'kawu and Barama,
and we continue to steward this system through our lawful authorities and government.
Our Madayin system of law establishes Mägayamirr- peace, order, and good government; is dhapirrk consistant in its statutes;
and is assented to by all Yolŋu citizens through the Wana Lupthun assent ceremony.
Our Madayin system of law is guarded by the Yothu Yindi separation of powers.
Our Madayin system of law is a rule of law not a rule of man.
Our Madayin system of law is the equal of any other system of law."