New children’s book celebrates Noongar language

Kala is a beautiful new children’s book written and illustrated by eight members from Birdiya Waangkiny Elders Group in Bunbury, Western Australia.

Published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), the book celebrates Noongar language and Country. It was created during weekly language workshops where members gather to share knowledge, learn, heal and build language resources for future generations.

“My language journey began in 1999, teaching for many years. My dream is to see the Noongar language of land grow in Wardandi Country,” Charmaine Councillor who is the founder and CEO of Wardandi Miya-k Kaadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation, the language hub where the book was created, said.

ILF Regional Program Co-ordinator, Josie Lardy organised for local artist Pauline Bonney Designs, to facilitate an illustration workshop in Bunbury. The stunning artworks created not only became the illustrations in this children’s book but were also exhibited at a local gallery.

One of the contributors Joanne Ugle said she had always loved native wildlife and had always enjoyed art. “It was a lot of fun to be part of this project. I think it’s important for us to learn our language to reconnect with our culture,” she said.

Gloria Dann, known to her family as Nora, has taught Noongar language for over 40 years.

“My parents are both from the wheatbelt of Noongar Country. I have connection to Wardandi Country through my mother’s family. I found language has connected me to my Country and my people,” she said.

Kala gives young readers the opportunity to learn the Noongar and English names for 11 colours, alongside the names of animals and plants. The book includes a pronunciation guide and a QR code that connects to audio readings by the Elders.

Charmaine also reflected on the impact the book will have on her Community, and potentially other Noongar speaking Communities.

“I can also see the impact on the Elders. We have one Elder that hadn’t had any language growing up and was forbidden to speak language, and she expressed how beautiful that she can speak her language again,” she said.

The book also marks a significant milestone as the ILF’s first publication in Noongar, a First Language spoken across the south-west of Western Australia.

The authors and illustrators include Charmaine Councillor, Roslyn Khan, Gloria Dann, Phyllis Bennell, Teryle Collard, Sandra Nebro, Joanne Ugle and Marjorie Ugle.

• Kala written and illustrated by Birdiya Waangkiny Elders Group Bunbury. ISBN: 9781923179400; rrp: $14.99. Boardbook. Available online now at ILF Shop https://shop.ilf.org.au/ and where all good books are sold.