Teaser trailer release for a groundbreaking documentary on Indigenous smoking
Download supplementary stories that Yolngu have shared about smoking
Aboriginal people in the top end were introduced to tobacco by Macassan traders, later by missionaries and then by tobacco industry promotions. Today, Aboriginal smoking rates are among the highest in the country. If this is to change, understanding the cultural and historical roots of smoking may be an important step in promoting action.
Professor Simon Chapman AO – University of Sydney
“There are many circumstances that contribute to why people smoke tobacco. Some are historic and others relate to the stressors people experience, the influence of others and people not understanding the impacts of smoking, both on our health and our pocket. A good way to influence change is to talk about these issues to enable people make informed choices to give up smoking and as importantly, to never take it up. Our future depends on the decisions we make today. Congratulations for a great video to help our people make informed choices.”
Dr Tom Calma AO National Coordinator, Tackling Indigenous Smoking
“This tells the important story of how Ngarali (tobacco) became part of the lives of Yolngu. Macassans brought it. Missions brought it. Today, too many Yolngu smoke, too many young people are starting to smoke, too many Yolngu are getting sick from ngarali”.
“This is the encouraging new story about ngarali (tobacco)in Arnhem Land.”
Assoc. Prof. David Thomas (Head of Tobacco Control Research, Menzies School of Health Research and Lowitja Institute)
“A Yolngu story that captures smoking in a truly ethnographic style in visually arresting cinematography”
Assoc Prof Kate Senior (Youth Futures Research, Menzies School of Health Research).
The staff and Board of Miwatj were proud to hear that Tony Wurramarrba was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia awards. Tony received this for distinguished service to the indigenous community of the Groote Eylandt Archipelago through leadership and advocacy for improved services and infrastructure. Chairman John Morgan commented that “Tony is one of our most effective spokesmen. He has a track record of effective leadership of his people, and at Board meetings always speaks strongly for the right of Aboriginal people to good health and to control their own health services. We congratulate him on this well-deserved award.” 
Strongyloidiasis is caused by a worm living inside the body called Strongyloides stercoralis.
