During his time in Parliament, Yiŋiya has challenged the Government to create inclusive laws and policies that work towards acceptance, understanding and equality for Aboriginal culture and authority. He has worked hard to consistently scrutinise Government on issues affecting remote communities and homeland towns, to bring better outcomes for housing, health, education and justice. 

Yiŋiya trained in aircraft maintenance and engineering with MAF, and became the first Yolŋu pilot in 1983. 

Yiŋiya is a highly skilled cross-cultural educator and community facilitator and has worked with many organisations including Charles Darwin University, Marthakal Homelands, NLC & NRCC.