Tjina Ankunytjaku: Footsteps That Carry Knowledge Forward

The recent Uti Kulintjaku (UK) Watiku Walk from Katjiyunkuny (Giles Creek) was another step in a much longer journey. 

As the fourth walk of the project so far, it came with a sense of how far this initiative has travelled, not only across the land, but through the relationships of the men who have walked together along the way.

Pictured: Elders Peter Mitchell and Ernest Bennett showing wati the map.

Around 40 wati joined the walk in August, from young men to several tjilpi (senior men). They came from Warakurna, Kaltukatjara, Mutitjulu and Aputula (Finke) to walk nearly 40 kilometres over three days, guided by three Yarnangu Elders who hold the knowledge, stories and songs of the Country.

“They know that place is sacred, so those old men had to be there.”
- UK Watiku team member

Pictured: Peter Mitchell with his grandsons.

The benefits of the walk were many - time away from the stresses of community life, renewed connections with family, and the wellbeing and peace that comes from being together on Country. Yet these outcomes, while important, are not the whole story.

Grounded in cultural authority and responsibility, the walks provide a way for Anangu knowledge to be passed on in the way it has always been passed on. Not in a classroom or a meeting room, but through walking, listening, observing and being together.

Pictured: Aputla wati tjuta looking at map.

Four walks in, the project is creating a living pathway for culture and connection to continue between generations. Not a structure designed from outside, but one that has emerged naturally through Anangu leadership, cultural practice and experience. 

Pictured: Lyall Giles, Peter Norman, Wallace Norman and Peter Mitchell.

Each walk has built upon the foundations of the last, refining and strengthening the conditions that make meaningful teaching and learning possible: knowledgeable leaders, right relationships, right Country and right cultural practices.

“Walking together with the right people. Bringing the right people at the right place is important."
 - UK Watiku team member

Pictured: Aiden Mitchell having a well-deserved rest!

Watch highlights from the UK Watiku 2025 Tjunti Walk in this short video:

Images and video by Rhett Hammerton.