YURLA WANGGAMANHA: THE VITAL ROLE OF YARNING CIRCLES IN MENS MENTAL HEALTH
BY CASSIE ARIUU
A yarning circle is a culturally significant practice that brings people together to engage in open, respectful conversation.
Levi Thorne, a Wuraji and Yamajti Man from the Midwest spoke about the importance of the male yarning circle.
“We get the men together, and we yarn about how to be a healthy Yamatji men. Also, we speak on domestic violence and the gender roles that both males and females play in relationships”
A key feature of the yarning circle approach is its emphasis on collective decision-making.
Rather than imposing a top-down agenda, decisions about the direction of the sessions are made collaboratively.
Participants are encouraged to voice their preferences and agree on the topics and activities, ensuring everyone has a stake in the process.
“At the start we started off in a room environment and then we decided to take it Outdoors get around the fire pit.
And also while we're yarning doing activities, whether it be fishing whether it be just hanging out of the beach having a BBQ or around the campfire, you know doing a camp oven. That's how I got the men in engaged to start opening up about their life stories’’
In a world where mental health issues are often stigmatized or overlooked, the yarning circle stands out as a beacon of hope and healing. For Aboriginal men in the Midwest and beyond, these gatherings are a tribute to cultural traditions and a meaningful step towards building a healthier, more connected community.
‘‘ I think we need to get over that shame factor and build the courage to go up and have a yarn with someone for me. It's that shame factor get out and talking to someone really does help.”
