Photo by Gail Shive

    YIDUMDUMA BILL HARNEY

    Yidumduma Bill Harney is the last fully initiated Elder of the Wardaman people of the Victoria, Flora, and Katherine River Districts of the Northern Territory of Australia. Born in MUY MUY clan country in the early 1930s, Yidumduma is of the YUBULYAWAN clan.

    Raised and educated in Wardaman traditional ceremony, Yidumduma is a fully initiated Wardaman man and speaks seven languages. He worked at an early age on cattle stations and throughout his life has prospered in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds.

    He has been described as one of Australia's Living 'National Treasures'.

    Yidumduma Bill Harney is recognized throughout the world as an artist of high esteem on many different stages. He is a Master Storyteller, Songman, Didjeridoo Player/Maker, Painter, and Author. All his art forms have the deepest roots in the celebration of his Wardaman Aboriginal heritage and his unique ability to “walk in both worlds” and communicate the joy of his culture to a global audience.


    Tribute to Bill: Bush Gentleman

    This beautiful tribute to Yidumduma Bill Harney by outstanding Australian actor and presenter Ernie Dingo, describes Bill as a true "Bush Gentleman". Segment used with permission from CAAMA TV series Talking Languages with Ernie Dingo.