Jeremiah Baker - Cultural significance of companion animals to the Yolngu people of North East Arnhe

I am a Yolngu man from East Arnhem Land. I will take you on an insightful journey kindling your very own connection to our country.
Designated through my mother’s bloodline of the Dhurrkay clan of the Wangurri tribe, to this particular group, I am what you may call a maternal-child. I am referred to as a Djuŋgaya, the Estate Manager, Ceremonial Police Officers & enforcer of tribal customary protocols, just to name a few. As Djuŋgaya, I execute & supervise others in many tasks working in harmony with nature’s processes.
• The management & preservation of my mother’s traditional homeland & other estates
• The protector & guardian of all my mother’s tribal totems
A totem is a natural object of all creation from the sun, moon, clouds & constellations, to what we see & feel here on Mother Earth. The main totems commonly showcased by Aboriginal Australia are the plants & animals inherited by clan or tribal groups as their spiritual emblem. Totems define Yolŋu peoples’ roles & responsibilities, our relationships with each other, & the connection to the creation story itself according to Yolŋu mythology. One of my mother’s primary tribal totems is the warruŋ the dog. The bond I have with warruŋ the dog is as strong as the bond I share with my mother, and I do not wish any further harm to come to her.
My brothers and sisters in remote communities are devastated when their companions become unwell, and they don’t have access to veterinary services and treatments to care for them. They are devastated not only because they love and care for their animals, but because of the important role warruŋ plays in our culture. AMRRIC works side by side with rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to improve the health and wellbeing of their loved warruŋ, and the health, wellbeing, and safety of communities.
I look forward to joining you and sharing my culture and the importance of warruŋ to my people.