From Nhulunbuy to New York, the rare politician torn between two worlds
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- Yiŋiya Guyula, an independent politician from Australia's Northern Territory, has resigned after a decade in parliament.
- Guyula, an Indigenous Yolŋu elder, advocated for "Yolŋu sovereignty" and treaty, often speaking at international forums like the UN.
- He navigated a path between his cultural responsibilities and the Westminster system, facing political challenges throughout his tenure.
Yiŋiya Guyula, a distinctive voice in Australian politics and an Indigenous Yolŋu elder, has concluded his decade-long tenure in the Northern Territory parliament. His resignation marks the end of nearly three terms dedicated to advocating for his constituents and championing his core values, particularly "Yolŋu sovereignty" and the recognition of Yolŋu rom (cultural law).
Guyula's political journey began with a surprise victory in the remote electorate of Nhulunbuy in 2016. He entered the NT parliament as an outsider, a role he embraced with determination. Early in his career, he faced challenges from the incoming Labor government, which questioned his legitimacy, though their bid ultimately failed. Despite these hurdles, Guyula remained steadfast in his commitment to his people, famously describing himself at the UN in 2018 as a "noisy feather" who would continue to make his voice heard.
My people are crying out for justice and we are not being heard
His advocacy extended beyond the Northern Territory, reaching the global stage at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. There, he carried a message of justice and recognition for his people, highlighting their struggles and the need for their voices to be heard. Guyula's background, having learned English only after age 10 and trained as an aviation mechanic and pilot before entering politics, underscored his unique perspective and connection to his roots.
Throughout his time in parliament, Guyula was often pulled between his deep cultural responsibilities and the demands of the Westminster system. This internal conflict was compounded by increasingly hostile political situations and unrest in his home community of Milingimbi. Despite these pressures and frustrations with both major parties, Guyula maintained strong ties with parliamentary colleagues and remained committed to his original campaign message, seeking a treaty and empowerment for elders. His career is characterized by his role as a statesman, activist, and bridge-builder, consistently representing his people's interests.
People have said about me that I'm just a feather, flying in the breeze. But I'm a noisy feather. And I will make noises, and I will stand. And I will call out … and hopefully I will get stronger and stronger as I go on.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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