Mamaruni School students took the initiative to design and execute three murals that cover the school's art centre and library walls.  

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Minjilang is a remote community based on Croker Island, 235km from Darwin, on West Arnhem land. The community’s culture and heritage is often expressed through art, music and dance.  

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In creating the murals, the young artists of Minjilang were given the reins to steer their project. The students worked with local leaders and Elders to weave elements of culture, totems, languages, and symbols of their identity into the art piece in a significant yet respectful way.

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The Traditional Owners of Croker Island are the Mardku people, with their language once being the only language on the Island, however, over time the Mardku/ Marrgu/ Marrku language has gone extinct. Nathan Fejo, community member and Red Dust team member said, ‘you lose Elders who speak that language’.  

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In Mardku’s place are four languages that form the Minjilang connection: Kunwinjku, M'awng, Iwaidja and English. Leani, a Mamaruni School student, notes, "we speak all the four languages because we’re all connected... it's the Minjilang connection!”.

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The languages of Minjilang

• Kunwinjku: with origins in the West Arnhem region, this language is a branch of the Kunwok language family.

• M’awng: M’awng is a language that descends from the Warruwi community, in the South Goulburn Islands.

• English: English language was introduced in 1940 with the establishment of the Croker Island Mission by the Methodist Overseas Mission.

• Iwaidja: one of Minjilang's original languages from the Coburg Peninsula, Iwaidja is now being revitalised through its inclusion in the Mamaruni school curriculum.

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Efforts to keep the Iwaidja language alive are in full swing, with a community book and cassette under development. Anita, a Minjilang community leader, highlighted the importance of this education tool. She said, ‘it’s important the kids know the language...(the book and cassette) means they can read and listen to it’.  

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The Totems

Throughout the murals are the Minjilang totems. They are the symbols that tie individuals to their Clan, lands, and Dreaming. These totems, which include the Maminga (large clam), the Kuiya (muduk clam), and the Garngi (sea eagle), among others, serve as spiritual emblems reflecting the deep-rooted connections to culture and Dreaming.

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The murals also celebrate local wildlife, such as the Marldigunyun (dugong) and the Munbirri (sea turtle), showcasing the biodiversity of Minjilang and its waters.  

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The above totems and native species have all been translated into Iwaidja.

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The students' leadership and creative vision have sent a ripple of pride through the community. The mural is a testament to their hard work and commitment and shares the story of the Mardku people, land, culture, and identity.

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