Yorta Yorta woman becomes first to graduate with a PhD on ancestral Country

Graduating alone is an accomplishment, but to become the first Yorta Yorta woman to graduate with a PhD on ancestral Country?

That is truly something special.

In the lead-up to the university’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 29, Dr Miller dedicated years to her PhD research on the Yalka Loitjba Language Re-matriation Project.

Academically, the project sought to revive the ancient Aboriginal Yorta Yorta language for contemporary use.

Personally, it continued the work of Dr Miller’s ancestors, who robustly preserved their native tongue through Australia’s dark past.

It was passed down from her great-grandmother to her grandmother.

Then to her mother.

And ultimately, to her.

“Unless you have someone to talk to in your language, the language will stagnate, so teaching other people to speak Yorta Yorta has numerous benefits,” Dr Miller said.

“As a language practitioner in First Nations, I can now work more towards the community aspect in developing language to a greater extent.”

To literally spread the word, Dr Miller and her daughter, Roxanne Atkinson, have developed several culturally rich resources.

Board games, books, mobile apps, fridge magnets — all are designed to share the Yorta Yorta language with the broader community.

Reflecting on her achievements, the proud First Nations elder and educator hopes that she has paved the way for more Indigenous Australians to pursue further study.

If Shaelyn Crowhurst had not graduated that same day, she would no doubt be one of those inspired.

Ms Crowhurst, a proud Gurindji woman, was part of the largest cohort of graduates from La Trobe’s Shepparton campus, where she completed a Bachelor of Nursing.

She inspired others in her own right as this year’s commencement speaker.

The journey to get there wasn’t easy, plagued by a pandemic and uncertainty.

Yet, somehow, she made it.

Largely, she credits this to the university and its Bradford Shepparton Pathway Program.

“Without it, I probably wouldn’t have studied in Shepparton,” she said.

“(La Trobe Shepparton is) such an intimate campus that you’re not just a number.

“The staff really know each student and support you throughout your journey.”

Ms Crowhurst loves the sticks she lives in.

But even if she decided to uproot, you won’t find the newly qualified healthcare professional anywhere near the big smoke.

“I belong in the regional areas. I love the regional areas. I’ve got big dreams for the future,” she said.

“We need more Indigenous people in health care because not enough people are educated on Indigenous health and how vulnerable they are.

“And the more of us out there, the more culturally safe everyone’s going to feel.

“That’s a big part of why I want to one day work up in the Northern Territory to share my knowledge and experience.”

Balagamdail. Gabra. Dhomadhomanga.

Courage. Intelligence. Love.

Whether said in Yorta Yorta or English, all three qualities speak volumes about Dr Miller and Ms Crowhurst.

Add on a degree, and the pair of powerhouse First Nations women are set to soar into their next phase of life.