GURRUWILYUN WURRKI GA BORUM FLOWERS AND FRUITS POSTER
by Northern Institute Senior Research Fellow & Elder on Country Dr Gotha (Kathy Guthadjaka) AO
Gäwa Yolnu Flowers & Fruits Project
The flowers and fruits poster records key species on Gotha’s ancestral land at Gäwa. Young people learn to identify the changing seasons, particularly the changing breezes, from the various species as they bloom and fruit throughout the year. Every species has its place and its time.
This poster is available from the CDU Bookshop instore & online for $29.95, or directly from Northern Institute for $25.00 (cash only)
Specifications: Full colour 250 gsm gloss art board A1 (594mm x 841mm/60cm x 85cm)
All proceeds from the sale of the poster go directly into funding further projects by Gotha on Country in Gawa.
GURRUWILYUN YOLNU SEASONS - GAWA POSTER
THE CHANGING SEASONS IN EAST ARNHEMLAND
by Northern Institute Senior Research Fellow & Elder on Country Dr Gotha (Kathy Guthadjaka) AO
Gäwa Yolnu Seasons Project
In late 2012, school children and community members worked with Gotha and Merri Creek Productions to explore some of Gotha's ideas for how the community can both develop and keep Yolnu culture alive and strong. The collaboration resulted in this Seasonal Calendar which is now being used as a basis of curriculum in the Gawa school and is available to the general public.
This poster is available from the CDU Bookshop instore & online for $29.95, or directly from Northern Institute for $25.00 (cash only)
Specifications: Full colour 250 gsm gloss art board A1 (594mm x 841mm/60cm x 85cm)
All proceeds from the sale of the poster go directly into funding further projects by Gotha on Country in Gawa.
Dr Kathy (Gotha) Guthadjaka AM is a senior elder from Gawa, a small family community on Elcho Island in east Arnhemland in the Northern Territory. She has worked as an educator since the mid 1960's and has always had a strong interest in research. She is currently employed as a part-time Senior Research Fellow at the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University. Gotha is intersted in collaborative research projects where she can share her Aboriginal knowledge and expertise. Gotha's research focus is on Warramiri knowledge language, culture and country. Aboriginal education, both ways education, spirituality, identity and religion.
Kathy's research focus is on Warramiri knowledge, language, culture and country, Aboriginal education, two way education, spirituality, identity, religion, women and gender policy.
Learn more about Gotha's research
Recognition
In October 2018 Dr Guthadjaka was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Charles Darwin University (view pics) and a few weeks later officially appointed a Member of the Order of Australia by Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory on her country in Gäwa, Elcho Island (Arnhem Land). She was appointed an AM for significant service to the Indigenous community through contributions to education and cultural preservation in East Arnhem Land. View pics
Kathy is the 2018 NT 'Senior Australian of the Year'. This award recognised her work creating a bilingual educational model that delivered high attendance and graduation rates on Elcho Island. Kathy was also acknowledged for representing Australia at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Geneva and for her research work examining language, traditional knowledge, culture and country. See Insight gleaned from the Bower Bird.
In 2015 Kathy was awarded the 'Elder on Country' NAIDOC 2015 Award (Darwin).
In 2014 Kathy was presented the title of Northern Institute's 'Elder on Country' by Dr Tom Calma, Chancellor of the University of Canberra.