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’ve been mostly a weaver but now I am giving painting a go. I have painted this Kurranji, which is the language name from my father who is Kuku Yalanji.
Where I grew up we did not have any Kurranji so I am enjoying learning all about the new birds from my fathers country.
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. 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 from 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.
Bulbuji I’m Kuku-Yalanji woman. My mum is from Wujal Wujal and my dad is from Laura, Chillagoe and Cooktown. For us Bama (Kuku-Yalanji people), we can’t touch bulbuji or wurarr-wurarr. They are sacred. Bulbuji start Read more…
Dikal, Bird There are many Dikal’s living on our bubu, country. I love camping with my families, anywhere, down the beach or at the river and listening to the Dikal’s singing.
Kababina & Kunjuri I am a Nyungul woman. My art depicts cultural, historical and contemporary stories from my bubu (Country) located in the Helensvale and Shipton’s Flat areas in Far North Queensland. I wanted to Read more…