While Yunupingu is softly spoken,she is determined in her teachings,most notably refusing to abide by theNorthern Territory government’s 2009 policy that directed schools to teach English only for the first four hours of the day in communities where English was not a first language.

“Understanding the language is very important because it’s the kids’[language],their language,” she said.

Yunupingu’s passion for teaching took off in the early 1970s at the community’s library,where she began translating Dr Seuss books into Yolngu languages.

“It was something that I was interested to do at the time in the 70s … and didn’t think that I was going to be dealing with in 2024. But I think that’s driven me to[where I am in] 2024,but[it was] something that I never expected,” she said.

Her late husband,also referred to asYunupingu, was named Australian of the Year in 1992 for his role in “building bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people”.

Yunupingu,who gained a bachelor of education in 1987,taught alongside Yalmay at the Yirrkala School,becoming the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed a school principal.

Beyond developing a progressive curriculum alongside Yalmay that incorporated both Western and Indigenous knowledge and traditions,he was the frontman of Australian band Yothu Yindi,which blended Indigenous and Western rock music.

His brother,thelate Indigenous leader and activist Dr Yunupingu,was the first in the family to be awarded Australian of the Year in 1978. He played a key role in negotiations surrounding the Ranger uranium mine,advocating for a fair distribution of profits and respect for land.

In his acceptance speech in 1978,Dr Yunupingu expressed hope that the award would assist him in future negotiations,saying “governments and mining companies don’t normally deal with just any ratbags and radicals”.

Forty-six years later,Yalmay continues her family’s legacy,as she looks to how her award can help progress Indigenous rights.

“It’s something important,it was very emotional for me,something that I never expected to receive,it’s … like a starting point where I can be speaking on behalf of not just Indigenous people but also the nation,” she said.

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