Our most recent Healthy Living Program in Minjilang saw the coming together of different generations, the active preservation of culture and the passing down of ancient stories to the children of that community. When the program was first initiated we wanted the students of Minjilang School to embrace their creativity and use it as a tool to learn more about who they are, where their people and culture come from and to find joy in the ancient practice of storytelling.

We channeled all these goals into retelling the story of Warramurrungunji, creating a children's version of the tale which the students then illustrated.

Who is Warramurrungunji?

Warramurrungunji is the First Woman or Mother Creator of the Northwest Arnhem Landers. She came across the sea from the northwest, and landed first at the northern end of Croker Island, where she gave birth to the inhabitants and their language. From there she travelled to the mainland where she deposited both the coastal and inland peoples and assigned them all a language.

To help bring the story to life the program brought together First Nations animator and artist Molly Hunt, local artist Nathan Fejo and Minjilang Elder Uncle Jimmy Cooper to inspire creativity and assist in the writing, editing and pulling together of the reworked story. They began the sessions by breaking down the elements of each page, from the animals to the food, the language to to Warramurrungunji herself. It was amazing to witness the ancient story being passed down to the younger generation, having them design and bring to life the each page through their own imagination and interpretation of how they saw the book within their own minds. Allowing this type of creative outlet to happen has a deep impact of the ones sense of self identity, not just as an individual but as a collective - as a community.

For many First Nations People this type of practice, understanding and connection to culture was forbidden during the Stolen Generation, but programs like this prove that culture is still strong, it is still alive and it is still at the forefront of our identities as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Being able to have Uncle Jimmy Cooper in the classroom as our cultural advisor was a brilliant example of the passing down of vital information to the continuation of culture and language.

One of the highlights was seeing Uncle Jimmy share with one of the students the artwork of her father.

This book is more than pages and pictures — it’s children seeing their culture, voices, and creativity valued. By supporting Red Dust Role Models, sharing this story, or getting involved in our programs, you help create more moments where young people lead, create, and are celebrated. Together, we can keep stories strong, cultures alive, and opportunities growing for the next generation.