Yidaki Issues - How do Yol\u feel about others teaching didjeridu?

Views about non-Yol\u people teaching didjeridu are similar to those on playing. All Yol\u involved in this project agree that it is fine for others to teach non-Aboriginal techniques used around the world to play the didjeridu. Yol\u do not wish to hold a copyright on all forms of didjeridu playing. Anything non-Yol\u have developed, non-Yol\u can teach. It should again be stressed here that Yol\u are not the only traditional owners of the didjeridu, and Yol\u can only speak for their own traditional styles, not those of other neighbouring groups.

When it comes to Yol\u styles of yidaki playing, Yol\u always stress the importance of learning directly from them, and if possible, here at the source. If a non-Yol\u person learns Yol\u styles and songs, should they then teach these styles to others?

Djambawa - it is important to learn from the Yol\u originators of the instrument. text only	Dhukal stresses that the only way to really learn Yol\u manikay is here in Arnhem Land. text only	Dhukal - Anyone else is profiting off of Yol\u. Come here, we will teach you so you know the truth. text only

Djalu' teaching at the annual Garma Festival.

Some Yol\u are very excited about others playing yidaki in their way, and want those who have learned from them to share what they can. Other Yol\u believe that such experiences are private and should not be shared, that only Yol\u can share their culture. A common opinion, as expressed by Burr\upurr\u Wunu\murra, is that if you have learned from Yol\u and want to share your new knowledge and experiences for free with friends and family, that is fine. But once you start charging money for this knowledge, such as in lessons and workshops, you are stealing from Yol\u. It is their knowledge to share and be compensated for, not yours. Proper arrangements must be made first. Clearly, whatever their views on others teaching, all Yol\u involved in this project agree that if you want to learn about Yol\u business, you should make every effort to learn directly from Yol\u.

Djambawa - Steps must be taken to ensure Yol\u knowledge remains the property of Yol\u. text only	Dhukal takes a cue from \^paki law - we need his ID, passport, etc., so this is enforceable by both laws. text only	Badikupa - if you have learned from and been given the responsibility by Yol\u, teach. text only

According to Yol\u rom, knowledge is powerful and very expensive. This was true even before money was introduced to Arnhem Land. Donald Thomson, the first anthropologist to work with Yol\u in this area, wrote a book about the economics of Yol\u life. This included a story about his main Yol\u translator and friend having to quit, as all the knowledge he had gained from other clans while working with Thomson already put him in too much debt. He would be making spears and other objects as payment for the rest of his life!

Djalu' answers the question by singling out the interviewer as a teacher, not everyone who's ever met him. text only	Djalu' - When you have money from teaching, share it with us. When you're poor, look after yourself! text only	Djalu' encourages travel for Yol\u to meet and teach people around the world directly. text only

The best advice would be to not do anything that you weren't specifically told to do by Yol\u, and again, to not do anything in your own country that you would be uncomfortable doing if Yol\u were watching. That is simple integrity. If you learned from Yol\u who told you to share it, do so. If you are intending to teach it to others as part of your business, you should make that very clear in your dealings with Yol\u and make sure they are happy with any plans for compensation. Most Yol\u do not have any idea what your life is like, and cannot guess what you are going to do when you leave. You cannot assume they understand you, or that it is all right to do what you want just because you weren't told otherwise. Also know that just because one or more Yol\u told you that you could do something, that doesn't mean that all Yol\u would approve. This has created arguments and ill will in the past.

If you never met Yol\u and only learned from recordings, you haven't been gifted any knowledge at all and should visit Arnhem Land before engaging in any business involving performance, teaching, or otherwise transmitting Yol\u knowledge.

|o\u Ganambarr on stage in Japan.

Of course, it is understood that travel to Arnhem Land is not always possible for everyone. As Djalu' says above, the possibility is there for Yol\u to travel to you. It is a difficult proposition to organize something so big, but a small organization headed by one didjeridu player in Japan has organized several trips and small tours to his country for Yol\u performers and teachers. One didjeridu player in Iceland worked incredibly hard to get a trio of Yol\u men all the way across the world. It is hard work, and expensive, but is worth it, and there are many Yol\u who would love to come and meet you, given the opportunity. Just ask us!