Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) -Ngarlikurlangu - Jeffrey Jangala Gallagher

The Emu Who Went Looking for Water

Long ago, in the time of the Dreaming, a great Emu travelled across Country looking for water. The Emu walked all the way to a special place called Ngarlikurlangu, where there was a precious rockhole filled with cool, fresh water.

As the Emu wandered across the land, it searched for delicious yakajirri, also known as bush raisins. The Emu's footprints stretched across the ground, leaving tracks that can still be seen in Warlpiri paintings today. Artists often paint these footprints as arrow-shaped marks to tell the story of the Emu's journey.

But one day, the Emu met the proud Australian Bustard, another important bird of the Dreaming. Both wanted to gather the sweet bush raisins growing at Ngarlikurlangu, and they argued about how to share them. Their disagreement became an important part of the Dreaming story, reminding people to think about sharing and respecting one another.

Today, this ancient story is still remembered by the Warlpiri people. It belongs to Jangala and Jampijinpa men, and Nangala and Nampijinpa women, who continue to care for and pass on the story. It is celebrated not only through beautiful paintings, but also through special dances performed during important ceremonies, ensuring that the Emu's journey is never forgotten.