Goŋgayun ga ŋayaŋa rurmaram yothumirriny miyalknha
DJÄKAMIRR Co-op Ltd
Supporting, nurturing, and uplifting Yolŋu women and babies.
Yolŋu women experience some of the highest rates of perinatal disruption, evacuation transfer for birth, and culturally unsafe care in Australia. Evidence shows that continuity-of-care models and culturally matched support improves engagement, safety, and outcomes for women and babies.
The Djäkamirr Co-op Ltd is a 100% Yolŋu-owned, matriarch-governed perinatal service providing the only continuity-of-care djäkamirr (doula) service in North East Arnhem Land...and maybe the World!
We walk in two Worlds—grounded in Yolŋu ancestral knowledge and strengthened by Western clinical partnerships—to give every Yolŋu mother and baby the healthiest possible beginning.
Refer a client.
Partner with us to scale impact and establish a Yolŋu Healing and Birthing Centre.
Become a member or connect with a djäkamirr.
Our Vision
We dream of a future where every Yolŋu woman is surrounded by culturally safe pregnancy companionship, where babies are welcomed through the strength of their families, and where community-led birthing is restored to Country.
Our vision is to:
• Support, nurture, and uplift Yolŋu women and their babies.
• Provide care that honours kinship, culture, and Women’s Business.
• Work confidently between Yolŋu and Balanda systems, guided by Yolŋu governance and matriarch leadership.
Our Purpose
At the heart of our Co-op is a commitment to embedding ancestral Yolŋu knowledge within coordinated, high-impact perinatal health services.
Our model of care is shaped by Yolŋu values of respect, kinship, and relational responsibility. It operates through intergenerational circles of care— Elders → djäkamirr → mothers and families— and is designed to strengthen trust, safety, and continuity.
We are working toward establishing a Yolŋu Birthing and Healing Centre: a culturally governed space where Yolŋu authority and clinical excellence walk together.
Our Values
The pandanus mat in our logo symbolises our bicultural approach to using the wisdom from both Yolŋu and Western knowledge systems. Just as Yolŋu women weave mats using both ancestral knowledge and contemporary tools, the Djäkamirr Co-op weaves Yolŋu law, language, and governance with Western medical systems.
Balanda (non-Yolŋu) partners may provide tools and systems, but only Yolŋu hands, hearts, and governance can weave the mat. This ensures Yolŋu women remain at the centre of designing and delivering perinatal care for Yolŋu families.
Videos
DJÄKAMIRR is a two year project, filmed on the ancestral home-grounds of the Yolŋu First Nations people in North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.
This short video resource supports clinicians and hospital staff in working alongside Yolŋu djäkamirr- First Nations doulas. It describes the role, training, practice scope and benefits of working with a djäkamirr.
A Yolŋu djäkamirr is skilled in providing cultural, emotional and spiritual support to Yolŋu women during childbirth. They are like an escort but with so much more value!
Elaine Lawrrapa Maypilama talks about wellbeing on country and the benefit of returning to her homeland.