A group of Aboriginal women in the Fitzroy Crossing have become published authors with the release of four bilingual children's books that aim to share language and culture.
There are three books for babies and toddlers, and a fourth aimed at older children. All of which have been published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).
The books aim to share, teach and preserve language and to show a snapshot of life in the remote community.
The women created the books during a workshop with ILF Lifetime Ambassador Alison Lester, children's book author Jane Godwin and designer Lee Burgemeestre.
June Nixon wrote and illustrated Kurrartuwarnti (Brolgas) and Jirntipirriny jaa Lamparn Parri (Willy Wagtail and the Little Boy).
Both books are written in Walmajarri and English.
Manyi Nganyjaali (Bush tomatoes) written and illustrated by Delphine Shandley is one of the four books from the workshops done in Fitzroy Crossing. Source: Supplied
"I learned all the stories, and about going hunting. I started doing books in Yakanarra School and Bayulu School, teaching the kids, singing the songs in Walmajarri," she said.
"I came here to work at Baya Gawiy a couple of years back, and I started to do my own books here at Baya Gawiy. And it’s good to teach all the little ones from when they’re little, growing up, to learn their language."
She said books and songs help little ones learn language by hearing it every day through "songs and stories about the land".
"It shows them the way to do their stories for the next generation," she said.
If my old people were here now, they’d be so proud to see the little ones grow and to carry it on, and carry the knowledge from them in their hearts.
Gooniyandi language is also shared in some of the books.
Patricia Cox wrote Mayarda (Pelicans) in Gooniyandi and English, it's a playful songbook that teaches readers how to count in language.
The song featured in the book was originally composed in collaboration with Dr Gillian Howell from The University of Melbourne as part of Perth-based Cultural Tura’s ongoing Sound FX program in Fitzroy Crossing.
“We’re making books and songs for the little kids to learn, but the words we put in place have a lot of meaning. They tell about caring for Country and having respect for your environment," said Ms Cox.
"Our books and songs are all about strengthening, and that’s empowering for us. We get empowered, you know, through the words and the songs.”
Author Patricia Cox and Delphine Shandley working on the songs with Dr Gillian Howell.
They'll be used in playgroups and homes in Fitzroy Crossing in the hope that not only young Aboriginal children, but their Mums, Dads, Aunties, Uncles, cousins and more start to pick up and speak language.
