Bäniyala, a remote community that is home to 150 people on the shores of Blue Mud Bay in the Northern Territory, was a symbolic setting for Navy’s inaugural Saltwater Leadership Program – a shared First Nations cultural activity offering more than just an education through teamwork. It became a transformative journey of connection, respect and understanding.

Grounded in mutual respect and Navy’s enduring relationship with the Elders and people from East Arnhem Land, participants agreed to build and paddle a traditional dugout canoe – a lippa-lippa – across the ceremonial waters of Blue Mud Bay. 

The Yolŋu people of Blue Mud Bay were instrumental in the legal recognition of Sea Rights in 2008, which extended Indigenous rights from land to the surrounding waters.

Throughout the program, Navy participants walked alongside Yolŋu Elders, community leaders and First Nations participants, engaging deeply with traditional stories, language, land-based learning and ceremonial practices while sharing their own stories. 

Commander Ben Maguire said the experience was immersive, grounding and powerful – a personal highlight of his career.

“It’s so remote up here and the community have been amazing hosts. I’ve learnt so much from them and their connection to Country that I can take back to Navy and our teams,” Commander Maguire said.

'It has been a historic moment in evolving the shared maritime narrative and acknowledging First Nations peoples’ connection to the sea.'

From sacred ceremonies and traditional dance to learning about Indigenous laws, governance and the enduring connection to Country – and through making the lippa-lippa – Navy participants left with a deeper appreciation for the richness of Aboriginal cultures and the resilience of First Nations peoples’ connection to the sea.

At a time when reconciliation is more important than ever, graduation from the program symbolised more than the completion of a shared immersion and leadership experience. It marked a personal and collective commitment to walking together on a path of respect, truth-telling and shared maritime responsibilities. 

For many First Nations participants, these shared activities create space for cultural revitalisation, intergenerational learning and pride in identity. They affirm that cultural knowledge is not just something to be remembered, but something to be lived, practised and shared.

Director General Navy People Commodore Ryan Gaskin joined the final days of the program and attended the graduation ceremony alongside community Elder Dr Djambawa Marawili. Together, they observed the lippa-lippa being launched and paddled on the waters of Blue Mud Bay. 

“Observing the esprit de corps and strong bonds develop between Navy and community participants through the challenge of building the lippa-lippa was truly inspirational yet humbling,” Commodore Gaskin said. 

“It has been a historic moment in evolving the shared maritime narrative and acknowledging First Nations peoples’ connection to the sea.”