The sound of chopping wood and the smell of a campfire hung in the air as Australian Army Regimental Sergeant Majors participated in an Indigenous cultural immersion activity in east Arnhem Land.
They were in Gapuwiyak from September 30 to October 3 to learn about Yolgnu warrior culture.
Regimental Sergeant Major-Army Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham said, as custodians of Army traditions, it was important for senior enlisted leaders to understand its history.
“One of the best ways that I learn about our military history is by being on the land and in community, talking to veterans and their descendants,” she said.
“This activity is designed for us to learn about the Yolngu cultural concepts and the significant history of those Indigenous soldiers who have served our Army and this great nation as part of Arnhem Squadron, NORFORCE [North West Mobile Force], and it’s antecedent units.”
One of those units, the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit, was formed in Arnhem Land during World War 2.
Participants in the immersion activity spent three days making woomera, or galpu, and fighting sticks, or balatha, under the guidance of Yolgnu elders and families of the original Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit at Watu Ngurru Dhumak, a ceremony area for the Djambarrpuyngu Clan.
Indigenous soldiers from NORFORCE Arnhem squadron also assisted.
“One of the best ways that I learn about our military history is by being on the land and in community, talking to veterans and their descendants.”
Participants learned which trees to choose for each weapon – tall, straight gadayaka (Darwin Stringy bark) for galpu and maypiny (ironwood) saplings for balatha.
Woodchips and sawdust were soon flying as participants whittled down their timber with hand tools, and the rough logs began to take form, with some help from the elders.
Once the weapons were shaped, sanded and oiled, ironwood roots were collected to make resin for securing the galpu’s ‘nose’.
With approval from Yolngu elders, weapons were then painted in colours and designs that reflected Army’s unique connection to the makarrata ceremony that formed the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit .
Corporal Carl Murkun, a patrol second in command from Arnhem Squadron, grew up in Gapuwiyak and was proud to welcome senior enlisted leaders to his land.
“When they first arrived, I was glad to see their surprise at the river running and the beautiful country. It was good to meet up with them and have that journey together,” he said.
“I was thankful to the elders; they were helpful and gave a hand to the senior soldiers to make the woomera, and showed them skills from the olden days still used today, like making the resin.”
The immersion was the first of three planned under Project Green Skin, an initiative from Army Headquarters to tell Army’s stories and maintain traditions.
One concept developed by the Army Indigenous Cultural Advisory Board was carriage of Indigenous weapons by Army leaders, who have shown a high standard of cross-cultural capability.
Soldiers may carry the weapons to pay respect during funerals of Indigenous soldiers, in response to a cultural challenge, such as the Maori haka, or as part of a gift exchange or cultural event.
“I am extremely grateful for the experience and I will be encouraging all soldiers to take the opportunity for a cultural immersion as we roll Project Green Skin more broadly across our Army.”
The purpose of cultural immersions is to enable senior enlisted leaders to refine this idea before its implementation.
Gapuwiyak was chosen because of Army’s connection to the area through the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit, which was raised near the community in 1942.
It included 50 warriors from Arnhem Land and Torres Strait who patrolled Australia’s north reaches during World War 2 using traditional weaponry and bushcraft.
Warrant Officer Felmingham said the experience was humbling and one she would yarn about for years to come.
“I am extremely grateful for the experience and I will be encouraging all soldiers to take the opportunity for a cultural immersion as we roll Project Green Skin more broadly across our Army,” she said.
