Community celebrate coming of age

Culture, tradition and respect will be a highlight for 16 brave young men going through Yindjibarndi law over the coming weeks.

The law ceremonies take place at the law ground near Woodbrook Station and will transform the 16 teenagers from boys in to men.

Law man and Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Michael Woodley said the ceremonies held great cultural significance to Yindjibarndi people.

“It’s very important – it’s a time where all of the family get together and you have a moment where you know you have a son and you can be here for the ceremony,” he said.

“Your son comes as the baby, the boy and then the man; so this is the last step for him in terms of his boyhood and he comes out of this to be entitled a man with responsibilities.

“He will need to ensure now, moving forward, that he will carry on the tradition.”

Mr Woodley is a father to one of the 16 teenagers undertaking the tradition this year.

“I think all of the boys here are embracing it as finally this has come,” he said.

“I think they are glad that they finally get to look at the other side of how to now learn this law, respect this law and treat people according to law and the relationship system, but most importantly become leaders.”

The law ceremonies take between five and six weeks, with the families and friends of each young man, all in their mid to late teens, camping out for the duration – more than 100 people in all.

“The thing about our tradition, is celebrating everything this country holds as a reflection as to who we are as a people,” Mr Woodley said.

“Everyone has a role and responsibility and the law governs that.”

Mr Woodley said highly-respected elder and Yindjibarndi leader 105-year-old Ned Cheedy was still a key part of the law tradition.

“He’s been participating and singing the songs and teaching the young fellas about what the songs mean and what they stand for and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“He’s still a formidable force with his people and the people in this town, but also others who come across to celebrate the ceremony.”