The Yolngu are an aggregation of Australian Aboriginal people that inhabit the north east region of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and have a proud history and culture that goes back tens of thousands of years. And as one of the oldest cultures, the Yolngu hold dear their traditional values and customs despite the impact of the more modern society that surrounds them.

The juxtaposition between some of the oldest communities with some of the youngest cultures trying to establish themselves, has clearly caused difficulties across the country and it is as evident in Arnhem Land as anywhere else. The Yolngu strive for their culture to be recognised, understood and respected, but a lack of awareness from the dominant population has previously hindered meaningful progress with their ambitions.

However, in 1973 the seeds of progress were sown with the first significant efforts to bridge the cultural gap as Richard Trudgen arrived in the area to work amongst the local people and soon began to take an active interest in recognising and addressing the problems that disadvantaged the Indigenous population. By the 1990s educational programs and cross-cultural training courses were established as the predecessors of today’s Indigenous and Aboriginal cultural awareness training courses.

Why Warriors is a organisation, led by Richard, whose mission is to empower the Yolngu and other indigenous groups to achieve control and fulfilment in their lives through a program of educational and cultural awareness courses. For the Yolngu people, radio and online content has been utilised heavily to raise awareness of how their mainstream neighbours live as well as trying to develop resources and education within their community.

In addition, Why Warriors have developed a range of Australian Indigenous culture courses and cross-cultural communication training courses that are suitable for both individuals or organisations that can have profound and long-term benefits for those that take advantage. Learning about and understanding Yolngu culture from their perspective, can often lead to an increased self-awareness of previous unconscious bias and can also result in much higher levels of confidence when interacting with Indigenous people.

In order for the dominant culture to respect, protect and preserve ancient cultures such as the Yolngu, education is the key. Why Warriors has a team of 6 diverse but highly experienced and dedicated individuals who share a vision for the future, where mutual empathy and respect facilitate growth and fulfillment for the Indigenous people.

Why Warriors offer the opportunity to learn on Aboriginal culture courses and undertake cultural competency training which can take the form of workshops and consultancies tailored to your specific needs or an intensive 2 day training seminar. Online courses are also available where you can learn at your own pace, developing your own cross-cultural awareness whilst appreciating the difficulties that Yolngu and other indigenous groups have had to face for generations.

Preserving the Indigenous people's lifestyle, values and traditions can not be achieved unless we all recognise our responsibilities to be a part of this ongoing process.