Roebourne story books

Wayiba wanthiwa. Tharnaaru

Roebourne District High School is located on Ngarluma country 40 km from Karratha. The school caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 12, with approximately 99% of its cohort being Aboriginal. Although there are a number of language groups in Roebourne, the students generally come from three main language groups: the Ngarluma people who are the traditional owners of the land; the Yindjibarndi people; and the Banyjima people. The students speak a range of languages as well as Aboriginal English which, for most students, is their first language. Roebourne is culturally enhanced due to the rich culture that still values its traditions. The school is respected by the community and of its deep understanding of Aboriginal learning strategies.

The book, Yirramungardu Yarns, written and illustrated by a range of students from year 4, 5 and 6 represents a wonderful selection of experiences about "going bush" with families. One of the yarns, Camping out Millstream was collaboratively created by the class and, although fictitious, was inspired by students' real life experiences of going bush with families.

I would like to acknowledge the following people for their contributions to the book making process, Jane and Marion Cheedy, Yindjibarndi elders, for using their extensive, knowledge of language and culture in supporting the students throughout this project to produce wonderfully, rich stories.