These are the words of Yolgnu woman Elaine Lawurrpa Maypilama, one of the leaders of a research project called Caring for Mum on Country.

The project aims to improve reproductive health literacy in Galiwin'ku, a remote Aboriginal community on Elcho Island in East Arnhem Land.

Currently, with no local birthing centre in Galiwin'ku, heavily pregnant women must board a plane and travel great distances to give birth. 

For years, Lawurrpa has been calling for a birthing space to be built in Galiwin'ku, believing it will lead to better-supported mums and healthier babies. 

Click through below to read or hear more on this story — a Science Friction co-production between ABC Science and ABC Darwin.

Happy NAIDOC week,
 

Simon Leo Brown, deputy digital editor
 

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