Gathering Sticks Culture & Land the Mangarrayi and Yangman people

the Mangarrayi and Yangman people of the Roper River area

Melissa Lucashenko

she grabs at anything that helps keep her afloat – anything except her husband

They tell of the night sky

to keep their language strong

Gathering Sticks Culture & Land the Mangarrayi and Yangman peopleMargaret Heffernan's desire, in telling this story has been to pass on to her children and future generations of her family, the story of her life, a life in transition from traditional culture to a very different world that is still unfolding. "I belong here and thankful for everything in my life" Margarets story had begun over 30 years ago. From her childhood Margie was inspired in her culture by the womens circles and the strong men in her family.