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January 28, 2026
The place that stayed with me: after a treacherous route through open desert, at Mina Mina I saw holiness
‘One day, Nangala,’ Aunty Agnes would say. ‘We’ll dance together at Mina Mina.’ And one day, for no good reason, I answered her: ‘Let’s do this thing’
TL;DR
- The journey to Mina Mina was undertaken in 2018 from Lajamanu, initiated by Aunty Agnes.
- The route was dangerous due to extreme heat, lack of water, treacherous terrain, and wildlife.
- The group consisted of Warlpiri custodians, a Mina Mina dancer, the author, an anthropologist, a sculptor, a programmer, and the author's dingo.
- Vehicle troubles, including multiple tyre blowouts, and dwindling water supplies presented significant challenges.
- The group was assisted by Alice, who brought water and tyres, enabling them to reach Mina Mina.
- Mina Mina was characterized by red sand, desert oaks, and three enormous salt lakes.
- The extreme heat necessitated dissolving salt from the lake for hydration and dealing with swarms of flies.
- The journey culminated in a spiritual moment witnessing the custodians dance on the salt lakes at sunset, which the author describes as the revelation of holiness.
- The author, Judith Nangala Crispin, has a deep connection to the Warlpiri people and uses her Warlpiri skin name, Nangala.
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