Werrenbun Community on Jawoyn Country, Northern Territory

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At the age of 16, Bolda Hunter was adopted by a Jawoyn family and integrated into traditional Aboriginal life. Bolda was tutored by senior Jawoyn Elders, notably Jatbula, Daypilama, Barraway and Ngal-Diyorrd. Identified early as a potential Yernderr Man (cultural knowledge keeper), instruction was intense in order to make up for 16 years of lost time. These Elders entrusted Bolda as one of the keepers of Jawoyn Yernderr, especially in relation to Buladermo (Sickness Country) for future generations.

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The Elders used Bolda’s strengths of art, music and language to accelerate his learning and incorporate him deeply into traditional life. After an apprenticeship working for Elders/Custodians, Bolda began painting on canvas in 1987 under the guidance of Jatbula and Daypilama. He has now achieved widespread recognition as a talented and prolific artist whose works are intimately layered with authentic story and meaning.

Bolda’s musical talent was also used by his tutors for those aspects of Jawoyn history and culture that are preserved and passed on through music and song. Bolda is now internationally recognised for his skills in hand-crafting, playing and teaching the Gunbarrk (didgeridoo).

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Bolda’s skills with language enhanced his ability to absorb the knowledge he was intrusted with. In turn, his proficiency in Jawoyn, Kriol and English, along with knowledge he gained of the world outside Jawoyn life in his first 16 years, equipped him to give back to his adopted people as an interpreter, cultural consultant and facilitator.

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Bolda is passionate about educating all people in the richness of Aboriginal Ternderr (cultural knowledge), Bim (art) and Gunbarrk (didgeridoo). Over thirty years of immersion in Jawoyn culture and traditional life place him in a unique position to do so.