Recording the stories of our elders
This year, KJ has been focusing on recording more Martu ninti (knowledge) and wangka (language) after Martu told us we needed to do more. With more pujiman (desert-born people) getting older, there has been a big push to create more opportunities for younger and middle-aged people to learn from the old people, and to record their stories so that Martu can hold these stories into the future.
Lots of film and audio recordings were created in ‘Martu classroom’ spaces, like at the Language Camp at Well 33, through the filming of making waru (fire) in Parnngurr, and other opportunities with old people and young people on country and in town.
At the same time, KJ has delivered 11 new audio recorders to communities, ranger teams, the Women & Families Program and Leadership program. Everyone’s stories are important, and these recorders will allow Martu to record stories and knowledge as part of their everyday work with KJ.
Early next year, we will do training sessions in every community and in town. This training will help to build Martu confidence to use the equipment and record the stories themselves.
Martu have said it is important to keep listening to the stories so when the time comes they can tell them to their families, and continue to teach them to their kids and grandkids. KJ keeps these recordings and many older ones safe in the Martu Archive so that Martu can come and get copies and listen any time.
Thanks to BHP for their support of this project.
