Djinama Yiliga Choir

The Djinama Yilaga Choir is an intergenerational Yuin choir based on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, passionately committed to reviving the Dhurga Language and sharing Yuin culture through song. Founded in 2019 by Walbunga/Ngarigo artist Cheryl Davison, the choir was born out of a desire to empower both young and older community members to reclaim their voices in language, story and music. Davison recalls: “When we learn our language from this Country … it’s like we’re singing for Country more than anything. We want to sound like our Ancestors.”

Their name, Djinama Yilaga, means “happy ceremony” signalling the joyful and sacred nature of what they do. The choir’s repertoire includes original songs composed in Dhurga, sacred women’s songs, and contemporary arrangements that bridge traditional culture with modern performance contexts.

Members range from Elders who remember the language to school-aged singers who bring fresh energy. In their own words, one choir member says: “We want to sing like our Ancestors.” Their performance at the National Museum of Australia and local community events have drawn wide praise for their sound, unity and message of cultural continuity.

Beyond performance, Djinama Yilaga works actively in community settings such as schools, festivals, offering workshops, story-song sessions, cultural programs and language revitalisation. The choir offers more than entertainment: it is cultural renewal, transmission and healing.

For Yuin community, the choir stands as a beacon of resilience. Through each note sung in Dhurga, the choir honours Ancestors, invites connections and ensures that Country, language and story remain alive and shared. In Djinama Yilaga, the past, present and future of Yuin Culture come together in voice.