Embracing Cultural Wisdom: ELP Team's Inspiring Day with Mamanta Facilitators

Recently the ELP team had the pleasure to attend a cross cultural professional development (PD) day skilfully led by Tammy Abala and Shane Tipuamantameri from Mamanta.

With decades of experience living and working in the Tiwi Islands, Shane and Tammy bring a wealth of knowledge that is incredibly valuable. As proud Alumni members of ELP’s 2023 Incubation Program, the ELP team seized the opportunity to collaborate with Mamanta once again, aiming to deepen their understanding of Tiwi culture.

Throughout the day ELP staff, alongside a team from Office of Township Leasing and not-for-profit Red Dust, were stepped through a series of creative workshop sessions and activities. As experienced educators, Tammy and Shane provided a unique learning environment that allowed participants to actively listen, share insights, reflect on their own understanding, and ask questions.

Reflecting on the day, the ELP team shared the following:

"The session was hands-on, a nice change from the slideshow-based training I've done in the past. We were on our feet for much of the time, engaging in interesting games that related to Tiwi culture. Some facilitators try to do training in a balanda (western) way, but Tammy and Shane ran their session in a cultural way. It was different and interesting to do a PD like that."

-Tyron Cannell, Incubation Program Officer

“Mamanta provided a safe space for learning and discussion. The variety of activities created a balance of fun and more serious content.”

-Alexander Paech, Impact North Project Officer 

“I've never had so much fun in a training session. I loved all of the interaction, games and creative ways of exploring together. I also learned a new phrase, cross-cultural humility - which acknowledges that the more you learn, the more you realise you don't know, so thank you Mamanta for that insight!”

-Alexie Seller, CEO 

The ELP team's cross-cultural PD day with Mamanta proved to be not only an enriching learning experience but also a testament to the power of embracing cultural diversity in professional development. The dynamic approach of Tammy and Shane left a lasting impact, fostering a deeper appreciation for Tiwi ways.