Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation present the Yawarj Mara – Strong Pathways Young Men’s Group Art Exhibition. The Yawarj Mara program, led by proud Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri man Mitchell Daley, commenced in February 2024 and brings together Aboriginal young people aged 10 to 18 from Greater Belconnen, Gungahlin, and North Canberra. Over 40 Aboriginal young people are regularly engaged in the program.
Creative arts are a core part of Yawarj Mara. This exhibition showcases artworks and cultural artifacts created or designed by young Aboriginal men participating in the group, reflecting their individual and collective journeys, identity, and connection to culture. Artists are descendants from different Aboriginal nations including Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri etc. and these works aim to inspire the next generation, strength, vision and legacy. Opportunities like this remain rare, making this exhibition a meaningful reflection of the young men’s voices and experiences.
Yerrabi Yurwang supports young Aboriginal men through guided activities on Country and structured physical and social development programs, partnering with organisations such as the ACT Brumbies, ACT Policing, and The Yindymarra Project. Activities are held in the afternoons during ACT school terms and are designed to strengthen connection to culture, community, and Country. The program plays a critical role in supporting cultural identity, leadership, and peer connection. Through shared experiences, mentoring, and creative expression, participants build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen relationships central to social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing.
About the Artist
Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation is an established Aboriginal organisation that provides care and support to Aboriginal children, families and communities across the Northwest Ngunnawal Region of the ACT. It was created in 2019 due to the high unmet health and wellbeing needs of the local Aboriginal Community residing in these areas.
Yerrabi Yurwang means to walk strong and was bestowed upon the organisation by esteemed and respected Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea OAM, who is also a Founding Board Member of Yerrabi and our Inaugural Patron.
Yerrabi is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Service, which means it is owned and operated by Aboriginal People, for Aboriginal People, and so, we are committed to the principle of self-determination, whereby we seek to engage and empower the Aboriginal People and their Families who utilise Yerrabi’s services. Yerrabi facilitates the Empowerment of our Children, Families and Community; Build on their Resilience to improve their health and well-being.
Images
Boomerang by Young Men’s Group – Yawarj Mara
Canoe by Young Men’s Group – Yawarj Mara
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