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Balku Bathi

When I was was working for the Crocodile Islands Rangers group I was learning about my culture and language. Whenever we had the junior ranger program I would sit down with my elders and they would teach me. This is where I learnt how make handmade string, weaving techniques, bush foods and medicines and how to look after country.

I also learn how to weave by my mother. She taught me how to make baskets from pandanus using the coiling technique.

I learnt how make string bags, dilly bags and woven mats during my time with the rangers on Crocodile Islands. I’ve been mostly a weaver but now trying painting. We might have a go at weaving in Wujal Wujal.

Categories: Bana Yirriji Art Centre

Name: Doreen Collins

Language: Yolngu

Community: Wujal Wujal

Biography:

I was born in Katherine in the Northern Territory.  I grew up in Darwin and spent time in Milingimbi. I decided to move to Wujal Wujal in 2022 to spend time with my father's family.

I was inspired by my great grandmother Laurie Baymarrwangga (Gawany).  They called her the Big Boss, she won the Senior Australian of the Year Award in 2012. She passed away in 2014. She died when she was very old.  She helped to preserve our language.

My great grandmother encouraged me to be a ranger for the three tribes of the Crocodile Islands. She made one of her islands Gurribarr a wildlife sanctuary.  People can not go and hunt there without permission from the traditional owners. 

I learnt how to weave by my mother.  She taught me how to make baskets from pandanus using the coiling technique.  I learnt how make string bags, and woven mats during workshops for junior rangers.  

I've been mostly a weaver but now trying painting. We might have a go at weaving in Wujal Wujal.  

 

 

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