16 May 2023
In the news Public school life
A team of educators have written a Yawuru children’s picture book to help preserve language and culture for generations to come.
‘Country tells us when’ was created by Cable Beach Primary School’s Tsheena Cooper, Dalisa Pigram-Ross, and Mary Dann, along with Sheree Ford.
A new Yawuru children’s picture book called 'Country tells us when'.
The educators wanted to create a resource for children to help them learn about, and connect to, the Yawuru cultural knowledge on their doorstep.
Published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, the book teaches readers about the Yawuru seasons and the changes country shows when seasons change.
It features stunning artwork created using lino block printing techniques that showcase the distinctive colours of the Kimberley and the seasonal changes.
Cable Beach Primary School Yawuru language teacher Dalisa Pigram-Ross said the book was a fantastic teaching resource.
“I feel very proud to have been a part of the language and cultural content part of this little book because finally I can say I have been part of a team of people that made that happen.
“It’s a really great program for KindiLink, to incorporate their first language of the place they live, and it is a great insight into the local language and culture of the area. It is something very special to be part of.”
Authors and illustrators Dalisa Pigram-Ross, Mary Dann, Sheree Ford and Tsheena Cooper.
Cable Beach Primary School principal Darren Simpson said the school community was proud of the book.
“We are really excited for Tsheena, Dalisa, Sheree, Mary and our entire school community,” he said.
“The book is just gorgeous and a wonderful document of the great work our team does to support our Yawuru culture here at Cable Beach Primary School.”
‘Country tells us when’ features a QR code on the back cover to allow people to listen to the bilingual book being read in Yawuru and English.
The book was also translated by La Grange Remote Community School educators and the Karajarri Rangers into Karajarri and Mangala, allowing the story to be shared with surrounding communities.