“This is your Country too”

"This is your Country too." KJ Martu Kunawarritji Ranger Elliot proudly told his baby girl Lavina, showing her the Country of his jamu (grandfather), his mother's father.

During the KJ Kunawarritji Family Program day trip, Elliot shared stories from when he was a jiji (child) living in Punmu. His jamu (grandfather) would bring him to this Country for holidays. Passing down ninti (knowledge) linked to the places they visited so Elliot would know how to respect, speak to and care for his Country and pass that ninti (knowledge) onto future generations - just as he was doing with little Lavina during this trip. He spoke of hunting with his jamu (grandfather) and explained, "We had no plastic bottles; we'd just get water straight from the rock holes to drink".

Our KJ Family Program provides opportunities for Martu families to come together on-Country to speak language and transfer cultural knowledge. It supports raising jiji (children) Martu way, strengthening their identity and connection to Country.

📸s: Elliott shows Lavina his jamu (grandfather's) Country; Elliott, Lavina and Shemica at rock hole.