WHC Index
To enter your Tribal information into the WHC Index, login into your Hereditary Leader Account. If you don’t have an account, click the “Join Us” button below.
Once your account is activated, you will be able to access the Tribal Form here. Your Tribal details will then be added to the Index.
| Official Tribe Name | Yolŋu |
|---|---|
| Primary Location * | Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Current Population * | ~25,000 Yolŋu Matha speakers (est.) |
| Chief or Matriarch | Clan-based leadership |
| Treaty Area * | 1963 Yirrkala Bark Petitions to Federal Parliament |
| Primary Indigenous Language * | Yolŋu Matha (Djambarrpuyŋu, Gumatj, etc.) |
| Main Economic Activities | Arts, ranger programs, tourism, education |
| Cultural Events | Garma Festival (Yirrkala) annually |
| Schools on the Reserve | Schools in Galiwin’ku, Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, etc. |
| Health Services | Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation clinics |
| Notable Historical Event | Milirrpum v Nabalco (1971) and native title developments |
| Traditional Land Boundaries | Miwaṯj & NE Arnhem homelands (clan estates) |
| Environmental Initiatives | Yolŋu Rangers land & sea management |
| Governance Structure | Clan councils |
| Youth Programs | Art, music, and education programs for youth |
| Land Provenance Instruments and Negotiations | Petitions, land rights cases, native title claims |
| Infrastructure Projects | Housing, roads, cultural centres in East Arnhem |
| Culture and Language Preservation Initiatives | Language education & cultural centres |
| Partnerships or seeking Partnerships | Partnerships via Northern Land Council & Yothu Yindi Foundation |
| Goals for the Next Five Years: | Strengthen culture |
| State/Province | Northern Territory |
| Website Contact | https://eastarnhem.nt.gov.au/ |