This year’s storytelling programs being aligned with the 2023 NAIDOC theme ‘For Our Elders’ was met with enthusiasm from young people. Two powerful songs were created and sung in a mix of Tiwi language and English that each recognised the importance of Elders and their contribution to keeping Tiwi language and culture strong.

Two high schools, two songs, joint launch, one theme, one people- “For Our Elders”.

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Creating the music videos

Students of Tiwi College and Xavier College with teaching staff, community members and Red Dust crews skillfully brainstormed, and developed lyrics and beats, that were recorded while a music video was storyboarded and produced with young people at centre stage. Each video reflected the powerful messages that young people created around strengthening identity and showcasing Tiwi Culture to the wider world with pride through captivating visuals and lyrical storytelling

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The lyrics

Paparluwi Parlingarri

Parlingarri paparluwi putuwurupura

nginingawula Tiwi ngirramini

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Kapi ngawa-ampi amintiya ngawa maninguwi

purumuwu awungarra  

ngawulayapunyanyimi awuta warranguwi  

kapi ngawa tangarima / kapi ngawa tangarima

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When I was little, I grew up in a small community  

Called Wurrumiyanga  

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Surrounded by family and friends  

Going for walks down the beach

(Tiwi Islands, Tiwi Islands)

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Fishing and hunting with Elders  

Camping out on Country  

(Tiwi Islands, Tiwi Islands)

See the old people singing and dancing in ceremony

Made me want to become a strong Tiwi leader

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Kapi ngawa ampi purumuwu  

awungarra parlingarri

(Tiwi Islands, Tiwi Islands)

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Parlingarri paparluwi putuwurupura

nginingawula Tiwi ngirramini

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Kapi ngawa-ampi amintiya ngawa maninguwi

purumuwu awungarra  

ngawulayapunyanyimi awuta warranguwi  

kapi ngawa tangarima / kapi ngawa tangarima

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Now I am a teenager

I’m passing knowledge onto the next generation

teaching young ones culture, dancing and language

nginingawula ngirramini  

Ngampangiraga ngampangiraga , ngampangiraga

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Come and follow me

I can take you across the sea

I provide all the food for my family

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Sittin’ round the fire with the wulimawi

Telling stories from parlingarri

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For you, for me

Together we are Tiwi

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Parlingarri paparluwi putuwurupura

nginingawula Tiwi ngirramini

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Kapi ngawa-ampi amintiya ngawa maninguwi

purumuwu awungarra  

ngawulayapunyanyimi awuta warranguwi  

kapi ngawa tangarima / kapi ngawa tangarima

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It’s a kind of life that goes on and on

40,000 years too long  

It’s been passed down from generation till now

Our culture (is strong)

Our language (lives on)

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Kapi ngawa ampi purumuwu  

awungarra parlingarri

(Tiwi Islands, Tiwi Islands)

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Parlingarri paparluwi putuwurupura

nginingawula Tiwi ngirramini

Parlingarri paparluwi putuwupura

nginingawula Tiwi ngirramini

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Kapi ngawa-ampi amintiya ngawa maninguwi

purumuwu  awungarra  

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kapi ngawa tangarima

kapi ngawa tangarima

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NginingawulaNgirramini – a dedication to our Tiwi Elders

My country comes from the place my dad belongs

On my fathers’ side, where my totem’s from

Where it feels like home

Where I feel at peace.

When my time has come

- set my spirit free

Tiwi tribes, strong in our culture

Carry the songs past down from the elders

Yimpinari, pumpuni japinari

Kapi Malawu yartijangini  

Ngawa-ampi nga maniguwi wuta

Pirri-minu waluwa

Nginingawula Ngirramini

Nginingawula Ngirramini

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Pili-awarra ngawurraningurumangi

Ngini nuka nginti mata ngili parra

Kapi ngawampi

Amintiya ngaw a ngintinirimi

wantirrana ngirramini Nginingampangira

Tiwi culture we be keeping it strong

Got my elders there, we’ll be singing along

My elders, they’re my inspiration,

teaching us knowledge for the next generation

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Ngawa awungarra turrampila ngamirri ngunjupunji ngayamirratigiyi

Ngawa awungarra turrampila ngamirri ngunjupunji ngaya mirratigiyi

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Ngawa-ampi nga maniguwi wuta

Pirri-minu waluwa

Nginingawula Ngirramini

Nginingawula Ngirramini

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The music videos are a celebration of community, history and learning and will be on repeat- re-enforcing the importance of keeping the Tiwi language strong and respecting the Elders who hold and share their knowledge.

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A Celebration of Community, Heritage, and Learning

The music videos created is a true celebration of the spirit of community and fostering a deeper understanding of the essential role Traditional Tiwi language plays in shaping identity.

Watch Paparluwi Parlingarri – Our Ancestors here.

Watch Nginingawula Ngirramini – a dedication to our Tiwi Elders here.

“The kids are loving it, it’s creating a completely different vibe in the school”

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- Teacher, Xavier College  

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With your support we can continue to provide young people with opportunities to learn from their Elders on-Country — the best place to learn about your own culture.