Gapu, water, creates knowledge and is a life force to be respected

Abstract

In this piece, we share about gapu, water. Gapu gives life for a person and the land. Gapu nurtures and holds connection; it is knowledge and power, belonging and boundaries. We share as an Indigenous and non-Indigenous more-than-human collective, the Bawaka Collective, led by Bawaka Country and senior Yolŋu sisters Laklak Burarrwanga, Ritjilili Ganambarr, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs and Banbapuy Ganambarr, who speak from our place, our Country, our homeland, Rorruwuy, Dätiwuy land and Bawaka, Gumatj land, in Northeast Arnhem Land, Australia. Our piece follows the Songspiral Wukun, Gathering of the Clouds, and shares that water has many meanings, much knowledge and Law that must be respected. People and water co-become together. There is not one water but many, that hold balance. If we come together, waters, knowledges, peoples, acknowledging and respecting our differences, we can make rain.