Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
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In the series’ press kit, Margaret was described as having “an electric personality and deep knowledge of culture. A generous visionary for her people and a brilliant storyteller around the campfire.”
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Miliwanga WurrbenMiliwanga Wurbenn is a traditional Rembarrnga women from the Mirratja clan group, originally from the Central Arnhem region. Miliwanga lives in Wugularr, her skin group is Galijan of the Duwa moiety.
Miliwanga comes from a family line of traditional healers and is an advocate for sharing the importance of traditional Indigenous healing modalities. Mel is a traditional artist, weaver, and healer. Mel has overcome adversity in her own life, coming from the remote regions of the Northern Territory. She stands now as a leader and Elder in her community and an advocate for the rights of Indigenous People. Miliwanga currently works as a Cultural Advisor and language interpreter, facilitating Cultural Awareness workshops with medical students and mainstream health providers, educating about traditional bush medicine and other traditional health therapies. Miliwanga is the Chairperson for Banatjarl Strongbala Women Association from Jarwoyn Nation in the Northern Territory. This Association was formed in 2003 in response to Jawoyn women’s call for a focus on family, women and healing. The Banatjarl Women’s Council is working towards developing a family and healing centre. Miliwanga is a gifted public speaker and is often asked to travel interstate and speak at diverse forums about the importance of strong cultural identity, spiritual well-being and true reconciliation as found through the core cultural values of Unity, Belongingship, Identity and Connection towards achieving Universal Balance. Miliwanga has facilitated workshops with the Amnesty International and Oxfam Organisation relating to the United Nations Declarations for Indigenous Peoples of the World. |
Margaret Katherine
Margaret Katherine was born at Joe’s Garden, east of Katherine, and has lived in the Katherine region all her life. However, her traditional country is the Dalakngalarr area of the Mann River.
Margaret is a senior Jawoyn Elder and sits on the Jawoyn Council of Elders. She is of the Buyhmi clan group (Duwar Moiety), and speaks Kriol, Jawoyn, Mialli, English and Ngalkbon. Margaret has co-authored many books on Jawoyn culture, language, plants, animals and traditions. She appeared in the ABC series ‘First Footprints’, taking the filmmakers to the Gabarnmung Rock Shelter in Arnhemland to show them ancient rock paintings. In the series’ press kit, Margaret was described as having “an electric personality and deep knowledge of culture. A generous visionary for her people and a brilliant storyteller around the campfire.” She will be seen in the independent film “Spirits in the Stone.” |