Book Launch - A Legendary Partnership: Yolŋu, Bäpa Sheppy and Ŋäṉḏi Ella

Gwenda Baker's book, A Legendary Partnership: Yolŋu, Bäpa Sheppy and ŋäṉḏi Ella tells the story of Yolŋu and two missionaries who lived in the area we now call Arnhem Land for 50 years. It celebrates the relationships between Yolŋu, Harold and Ella Shepherdson. They worked side by side to develop the infrastructure necessary for a town. Harold used his planes to connect with Yolŋu living inland and in other places along the coast. He encouraged the Yolŋu to protect their land by staying on their country.  This time is remembered by Yolŋu in stories handed down to their children and grandchildren.

Gwenda Baker is an historian who first went to Arnhem Land in 1968. The stories told to her by Yolŋu about Bäpa Sheppy and Ŋäṉḏi Ella form the basis of this book. Personal experience, assistance from the Shepherdson family and much archival research add substance to the story. "Yolŋu asked me to tell the story of what they did during this time. They want to share it with you all."

This event is presented by the Historical Society of the Northern Territory. Books will be available to purchase for $35.