Kimberley She'ro: Recent Episodes
Natasha Short
Kimberley Jiyigas (Birds) presents a new podcast series, “Kimberley SHE’ro”. A Shero is the female version of a Hero, according to Dr Maya Angelou. Through this podcast, we will share the experiences and wisdom of our most inspirational Indigenous women and learn more about the Cultural ways and history of the people of the Kimberley region, Western Australia. These are the personal stories of their journey presented to you by Natasha Short. Kimberley Jiyigas is a collective of Kimberley Indigenous women influencing social change and is based in Kununurra, WA. Note: This series is not intended to be entertaining and is for educational purposes. Kimberley Jiyigas seeks to amplify womens voices and promote Australian Indigenous Culture through storytelling. You can learn more about our work either through our website or following us on social media.
Dr Ngardarb Francine Riches is a descendant and elder of the Bardi Jawi and Karajarri people from the West Kimberley, born and raised in Derby, Sunday Island and One Arm Point.
Over the past 30 years, Dr Francine has heavily involved herself in the Arts, this includes painting, producing Sculptures (Public Art), conducting Art Therapy sessions and illustrating Children’s books. As an Indigenous consultant, she offers support on a variety of projects.Inspiration for Dr Francine’s work comes from creation, the natural world God has given us and the ability to create something beautiful.
To engage Dr Francine, or to find out more information, you can visit
https://specialisedindigenousservices.com.au
OR email specialisedindigenousservices@hotmail.com
Or call 0433 130 851
Dr Ngardarb Francine Riches is a descendant and elder of the Bardi Jawi and Karajarri people from the West Kimberley, born and raised in Derby, Sunday Island and One Arm Point.
Over the past 30 years, Dr Francine has heavily involved herself in the Arts, this includes painting, producing Sculptures (Public Art), conducting Art Therapy sessions and illustrating Children’s books. As an Indigenous consultant, she offers support on a variety of projects.Inspiration for Dr Francine’s work comes from creation, the natural world God has given us and the ability to create something beautiful.
To engage Dr Francine, or to find out more information, you can visit
https://specialisedindigenousservices.com.au
OR email specialisedindigenousservices@hotmail.com
Or call 0433 130 851
Dr Ngardarb Francine Riches is a descendant and elder of the Bardi Jawi and Karajarri people from the West Kimberley, born and raised in Derby, Sunday Island and One Arm Point.
Over the past 30 years, Dr Francine has heavily involved herself in the Arts, this includes painting, producing Sculptures (Public Art), conducting Art Therapy sessions and illustrating Children’s books. As an Indigenous consultant, she offers support on a variety of projects.Inspiration for Dr Francine’s work comes from creation, the natural world God has given us and the ability to create something beautiful.
To engage Dr Francine, or to find out more information, you can visit
https://specialisedindigenousservices.com.au
OR email specialisedindigenousservices@hotmail.com
Or call 0433 130 851
Lena buckle Fraser was born in Beagle Bay mission in the West Kimberley and is connected to the Nykina , Walmatjarri , Nyul Nyul people of the Kimberley region.
She’s 80 years of age , but is also the youngest of 10 children !
Lena is a multi talented woman, who has had a full life and enjoyed many rich experiences. She shares her recollections of growing up in the Kimberley, under a different era, and some of her fondest memories of the past .
She is well known as a lover of life, and is a widely loved Elder within our region .
Lena buckle Fraser was born in Beagle Bay mission in the West Kimberley and is connected to the Nykina , Walmatjarri , Nyul Nyul people of the Kimberley region.
She’s 80 years of age , but is also the youngest of 10 children !
Lena is a multi talented woman, who has had a full life and enjoyed many rich experiences. She shares her recollections of growing up in the Kimberley, under a different era, and some of her fondest memories of the past .
She is well known as a lover of life, and is a widely loved Elder within our region .
Lena buckle Fraser was born in Beagle Bay mission in the West Kimberley and is connected to the Nykina , Walmatjarri , Nyul Nyul people of the Kimberley region.
She’s 80 years of age , but is also the youngest of 10 children !
Lena is a multi talented woman, who has had a full life and enjoyed many rich experiences. She shares her recollections of growing up in the Kimberley, under a different era, and some of her fondest memories of the past .
She is well known as a lover of life, and is a widely loved Elder within our region .
Thelma Norman is a Mirrawong- Gajerrong woman born at Rosewood Station, now living in Kununurra, East Kimberley.
After Thelmas Mum died young, Thelma was sent to Forrest River Mission which was operated by the Anglican Church. Thelma had an enjoyable childhood, growing up in the bush, especially enjoying life with all the other children who were at Forrest River, before entering the workforce.
At almost 75, Thelma yarns about her life story and recollections. She has recently retired, and spends her time with her family, including many of her Great-Grandchildren. She enjoys their company and they keep her ‘young’!
Thelma Norman is a Mirrawong- Gajerrong woman born at Rosewood Station, now living in Kununurra, East Kimberley.
After Thelmas Mum died young, Thelma was sent to Forrest River Mission which was operated by the Anglican Church. Thelma had an enjoyable childhood, growing up in the bush, especially enjoying life with all the other children who were at Forrest River, before entering the workforce.
At almost 75, Thelma yarns about her life story and recollections. She has recently retired, and spends her time with her family, including many of her Great-Grandchildren. She enjoys their company and they keep her ‘young’!
Thelma Norman is a Mirrawong- Gajerrong woman born at Rosewood Station, now living in Kununurra, East Kimberley.
After Thelmas Mum died young, Thelma was sent to Forrest River Mission which was operated by the Anglican Church. Thelma had an enjoyable childhood, growing up in the bush, especially enjoying life with all the other children who were at Forrest River, before entering the workforce.
At almost 75, Thelma yarns about her life story and recollections. She has recently retired, and spends her time with her family, including many of her Great-Grandchildren. She enjoys their company and they keep her ‘young’!
Pastor Karen Skinner is a Nyikina woman from the West Kimberley. She a Mum of 5 daughters, and ‘Mim’ (‘Grandmother’) to many. She calls Looma Community her home.
Karen is a respected Elder throughout our region, and is known for her healing prayers, and her passion and love for sharing the Word of God and encouraging others in the Faith. She relaxes by ‘going bush’ and you might even find her by the side of a riverbank with a fishing line, trying to catch dinner.
Pastor Karen Skinner is a Nyikina woman from the West Kimberley. She a Mum of 5 daughters, and ‘Mim’ (‘Grandmother’) to many. She calls Looma Community her home.
Karen is a respected Elder throughout our region, and is known for her healing prayers, and her passion and love for sharing the Word of God and encouraging others in the Faith. She relaxes by ‘going bush’ and you might even find her by the side of a riverbank with a fishing line, trying to catch dinner.
Pastor Karen Skinner is a Nyikina woman from the West Kimberley. She a Mum of 5 daughters, and ‘Mim’ (‘Grandmother’) to many. She calls Looma Community her home.
Karen is a respected Elder throughout our region, and is known for her healing prayers, and her passion and love for sharing the Word of God and encouraging others in the Faith. She relaxes by ‘going bush’ and you might even find her by the side of a riverbank with a fishing line, trying to catch dinner.
Pat Mamanyjun Torres is a Yawuru and Djugun women living in Broome.
Pat grew up in Broome and spend a lot of her growing up years surrounded by older people and learning from them. As a result, Pat has become a wealth of information and loves being an educator and sharing knowledge with people, including being an author. Pat is especially passionate about language, culture and sharing her knowledge about the value of bush tucker – an industry that she has been learning about for about 30 years.
Pat is the CEO of Mayi Harvests, including harvesting the superfood Gabiny (Kakadu Plum). As a Kimberley business woman, Pat can be engaged for catering, workshops and more throughout the region and beyond.
Pat Mamanyjun Torres is a Yawuru and Djugun women living in Broome.
Pat grew up in Broome and spend a lot of her growing up years surrounded by older people and learning from them. As a result, Pat has become a wealth of information and loves being an educator and sharing knowledge with people, including being an author. Pat is especially passionate about language, culture and sharing her knowledge about the value of bush tucker – an industry that she has been learning about for about 30 years.
Pat is the CEO of Mayi Harvests, including harvesting the superfood Gabiny (Kakadu Plum). As a Kimberley business woman, Pat can be engaged for catering, workshops and more throughout the region and beyond.
Pat Mamanyjun Torres is a Yawuru and Djugun women living in Broome.
Pat grew up in Broome and spend a lot of her growing up years surrounded by older people and learning from them. As a result, Pat has become a wealth of information and loves being an educator and sharing knowledge with people, including being an author. Pat is especially passionate about language, culture and sharing her knowledge about the value of bush tucker – an industry that she has been learning about for about 30 years.
Pat is the CEO of Mayi Harvests, including harvesting the superfood Gabiny (Kakadu Plum). As a Kimberley business woman, Pat can be engaged for catering, workshops and more throughout the region and beyond.
Janice Peterson is a Jaru woman from Ringer Soak, south of Halls Creek, and grew up on Gordon Downs stations.
Janice was fortunate to not be taken away as a small child, as she was a ‘half caste’, and the policy of that era was that those children of mixed heritage would be removed from family and country.
When Janices mother died when Janice was 6 years of age, she was raised by her extended family, a normal practice within Aboriginal society. She never sought to connect to her ‘white’ father, or have any relationship with him.
Today, Janice keeps herself busy, spending time between Broome and Ringer Soak, working with her family to create bush product remedies and talking up for Country.
Janice Peterson is a Jaru woman from Ringer Soak, south of Halls Creek, and grew up on Gordon Downs stations.
Janice was fortunate to not be taken away as a small child, as she was a ‘half caste’, and the policy of that era was that those children of mixed heritage would be removed from family and country.
When Janices mother died when Janice was 6 years of age, she was raised by her extended family, a normal practice within Aboriginal society. She never sought to connect to her ‘white’ father, or have any relationship with him.
Today, Janice keeps herself busy, spending time between Broome and Ringer Soak, working with her family to create bush product remedies and talking up for Country.
Dr Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Custodian from the Marrtuwarra, lower Fitzroy River, West Kimberley WA
Dr Anne has worked on issues of environmental and cultural protection in the Kimberley of Western Australia, and is Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. An active Indigenous community leader, human and earth rights advocate, filmmaker, and a respected academic researcher, with a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Master of Education, Master of Arts (Indigenous Social Policy) recently submitted a Doctor of Philosophy (Health Science) thesis titled "Martuwarra First Law: Multispecies Justice - Declaration of Interdependence: Wellbeing of Land, Living Waters, and Indigenous Australian People". Dr Anne is a lover of learning and encourages everyone to be committed to constantly learning, gaining, and sharing knowledge.
Growing up in Broome, and its surroundings, has led to a love and a respect for land, law and culture, and she has studied the historical and contemporary colonial context of development in the West Kimberley and how that impacts on contemporary Indigenous participation in decision making, governance, land and water reform.
Tune into our next Kimberley Shero podcast to listen to Dr Anne share her own story and insights.
Dr Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Custodian from the Marrtuwarra, lower Fitzroy River, West Kimberley WA
Dr Anne has worked on issues of environmental and cultural protection in the Kimberley of Western Australia, and is Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. An active Indigenous community leader, human and earth rights advocate, filmmaker, and a respected academic researcher, with a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Master of Education, Master of Arts (Indigenous Social Policy) recently submitted a Doctor of Philosophy (Health Science) thesis titled "Martuwarra First Law: Multispecies Justice - Declaration of Interdependence: Wellbeing of Land, Living Waters, and Indigenous Australian People". Dr Anne is a lover of learning and encourages everyone to be committed to constantly learning, gaining, and sharing knowledge.
Growing up in Broome, and its surroundings, has led to a love and a respect for land, law and culture, and she has studied the historical and contemporary colonial context of development in the West Kimberley and how that impacts on contemporary Indigenous participation in decision making, governance, land and water reform.
Dr Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Custodian from the Marrtuwarra, lower Fitzroy River, West Kimberley WA
Dr Anne has worked on issues of environmental and cultural protection in the Kimberley of Western Australia, and is Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council. An active Indigenous community leader, human and earth rights advocate, filmmaker, and a respected academic researcher, with a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Master of Education, Master of Arts (Indigenous Social Policy) recently submitted a Doctor of Philosophy (Health Science) thesis titled "Martuwarra First Law: Multispecies Justice - Declaration of Interdependence: Wellbeing of Land, Living Waters, and Indigenous Australian People". Dr Anne is a lover of learning and encourages everyone to be committed to constantly learning, gaining, and sharing knowledge.
Growing up in Broome, and its surroundings, has led to a love and a respect for land, law and culture, and she has studied the historical and contemporary colonial context of development in the West Kimberley and how that impacts on contemporary Indigenous participation in decision making, governance, land and water reform.
Tune into our next Kimberley Shero podcast to listen to Dr Anne share her own story and insights.
Tallulah Bieundurry is a Kimberley woman with strong ties to the Fitzroy Crossing area, a descendant of the Walmatjarri, Wangkatjungka, Bunuba and Gooniyandi people.
Tallulah is the product of a biracial union, and shares her unique life story of growing up and the major influences in her life, including her recently departed , but much loved ‘Jaja’, (Mothers Mother).
Tallulah has been given various platforms to amplify her voice, through her radio program “Deadly Justice”, as well as writing regularly for a local regional paper.
Listen into this deadly yarn, with a young Kimberley woman, who was also crowned “Kimberley Girl” in 2020.
Tallulah Bieundurry is a Kimberley woman with strong ties to the Fitzroy Crossing area, a descendant of the Walmatjarri, Wangkatjungka, Bunuba and Gooniyandi people.
Tallulah is the product of a biracial union, and shares her unique life story of growing up and the major influences in her life, including her recently departed , but much loved ‘Jaja’, (Mothers Mother).
Tallulah has been given various platforms to amplify her voice, through her radio program “Deadly Justice”, as well as writing regularly for a local regional paper.
Listen into this deadly yarn, with a young Kimberley woman, who was also crowned “Kimberley Girl” in 2020.
Tallulah Bieundurry is a Kimberley woman with strong ties to the Fitzroy Crossing area, a descendant of the Walmatjarri, Wangkatjungka, Bunuba and Gooniyandi people.
Tallulah is the product of a biracial union, and shares her unique life story of growing up and the major influences in her life, including her recently departed , but much loved ‘Jaja’, (Mothers Mother).
Tallulah has been given various platforms to amplify her voice, through her radio program “Deadly Justice”, as well as writing regularly for a local regional paper.
Listen into this deadly yarn, with a young Kimberley woman, who was also crowned “Kimberley Girl” in 2020.
Aunty Daisy Howard is a Jaru Elder, born at Caroline Pool, Halls Creek, East Kimberley.
She was part of the ‘Stolen Generation’ , and was removed from her family for ‘a better life’, and lost connection with her people for many years before reuniting .
The youngest of 4 children, Aunty Daisy had 11 children of her own, including 5 sons and 6 daughters. Her 11 children have blessed her with 42 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren (and counting!).
Today, she lives in Broome, and spends her time catching up with family, watching sports and tending to her beautiful garden .
Enjoy listening to this recent yarn we shared together.
Aunty Daisy Howard is a Jaru Elder, born at Caroline Pool, Halls Creek, East Kimberley.
She was part of the ‘Stolen Generation’ , and was removed from her family for ‘a better life’, and lost connection with her people for many years before reuniting .
The youngest of 4 children, Aunty Daisy had 11 children of her own, including 5 sons and 6 daughters. Her 11 children have blessed her with 42 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren (and counting!).
Today, she lives in Broome, and spends her time catching up with family, watching sports and tending to her beautiful garden .
Enjoy listening to this recent yarn we shared together.
Aunty Daisy Howard is a Jaru Elder, born at Caroline Pool, Halls Creek, East Kimberley.
She was part of the ‘Stolen Generation’ , and was removed from her family for ‘a better life’, and lost connection with her people for many years before reuniting .
The youngest of 4 children, Aunty Daisy had 11 children of her own, including 5 sons and 6 daughters. Her 11 children have blessed her with 42 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren (and counting!).
Today, she lives in Broome, and spends her time catching up with family, watching sports and tending to her beautiful garden .
Enjoy listening to this recent yarn we shared together.
Kankawa Nagarra (Olive Knight) is an Australian Living Treasure.
Born under a Bauhinia tree in the Australian bush, Olive was the product of a forbidden romance, and her life was threatened from the beginning. An Aboriginal woman, she is affiliated with Walmatjarri, Bunuba and Gooniyandi tribes of the Kimberley region.
A multi-talented and gifted person, she can be described as a singer, songwriter, poet and musician. She is an interpreter and translator, humanitarian, educator, mentor, spiritual advisor, elder , spokesperson and powerful advocate for Aboriginal people and Country.
She lives at Wangkatjungka community in the West Kimberley, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Purchase her CD ‘Hero and Laments’ on our online shop “Birds of a Feather, Shop Together”
Kankawa Nagarra (Olive Knight) is an Australian Living Treasure.
Born under a Bauhinia tree in the Australian bush, Olive was the product of a forbidden romance, and her life was threatened from the beginning. An Aboriginal woman, she is affiliated with Walmatjarri, Bunuba and Gooniyandi tribes of the Kimberley region.
A multi-talented and gifted person, she can be described as a singer, songwriter, poet and musician. She is an interpreter and translator, humanitarian, educator, mentor, spiritual advisor, elder , spokesperson and powerful advocate for Aboriginal people and Country.
She lives at Wangkatjungka community in the West Kimberley, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Purchase her CD ‘Hero and Laments’ on our online shop “Birds of a Feather, Shop Together”
Kankawa Nagarra (Olive Knight) is an Australian Living Treasure.
Born under a Bauhinia tree in the Australian bush, Olive was the product of a forbidden romance, and her life was threatened from the beginning. An Aboriginal woman, she is affiliated with Walmatjarri, Bunuba and Gooniyandi tribes of the Kimberley region.
A multi-talented and gifted person, she can be described as a singer, songwriter, poet and musician. She is an interpreter and translator, humanitarian, educator, mentor, spiritual advisor, elder , spokesperson and powerful advocate for Aboriginal people and Country.
She lives at Wangkatjungka community in the West Kimberley, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Purchase her CD ‘Hero and Laments’ on our online shop “Birds of a Feather, Shop Together”
Dr Stephanie Trust is a descendant of the Gija and Walmajarri people of the Kimberley region, Western Australia.
From humble beginnings, Dr Steph is a prominent and widely respected woman of our region. She attributes and recognises that her parents attitude of ‘faith, hope and love’ were foundational in creating her aspirations to achieve and influence positive change.
Dr Steph is the Principal GP of the Wunan Health and Wellbeing Centre based in Kununurra, East Kimberley. In 2020, Dr Steph has been leading a team of health professionals deal with COVID-19, while overseeing the construction of a state of the art medical facility for wholistic patient care. Steph also lost her Mum during COVID but shares with listeners about how her parents still influence her today and what she hopes to achieve in the future.
Make contact if you would like to know more information, including inviting Dr Steph to speak at one of your seminars.
Dr Stephanie Trust is a descendant of the Gija and Walmajarri people of the Kimberley region, Western Australia.
From humble beginnings, Dr Steph is a prominent and widely respected woman of our region. She attributes and recognises that her parents attitude of ‘faith, hope and love’ were foundational in creating her aspirations to achieve and influence positive change.
Dr Steph is the Principal GP of the Wunan Health and Wellbeing Centre based in Kununurra, East Kimberley. In 2020, Dr Steph has been leading a team of health professionals deal with COVID-19, while overseeing the construction of a state of the art medical facility for wholistic patient care. Steph also lost her Mum during COVID but shares with listeners about how her parents still influence her today and what she hopes to achieve in the future.
Make contact if you would like to know more information, including inviting Dr Steph to speak at one of your seminars.
Dr Stephanie Trust is a descendant of the Gija and Walmajarri people of the Kimberley region, Western Australia.
From humble beginnings, Dr Steph is a prominent and widely respected woman of our region. She attributes and recognises that her parents attitude of ‘faith, hope and love’ were foundational in creating her aspirations to achieve and influence positive change.
Dr Steph is the Principal GP of the Wunan Health and Wellbeing Centre based in Kununurra, East Kimberley. In 2020, Dr Steph has been leading a team of health professionals deal with COVID-19, while overseeing the construction of a state of the art medical facility for wholistic patient care. Steph also lost her Mum during COVID but shares with listeners about how her parents still influence her today and what she hopes to achieve in the future.
Make contact if you would like to know more information, including inviting Dr Steph to speak at one of your seminars.
Judy is regarded within our community as a strong advocate for disadvantaged groups, and has been a consistent presence working towards the empowerment of local Aboriginal people. She has been a tremendous support for her family as well as being a Mum to her son Julian.
Presently, she keeps busy as a local artist and is a board member of the Halls Creek Yarliyil Art Centre. Judy recognises that it is an exciting time for Aboriginal Art and Aboriginal Artists as there is a surge in private businesses and the rising of Aboriginal Artists in the commercial industry. Check out more information about local Kimberley art through their gallery at https://www.hallscreektourism.com.au/see-do/halls-creek/yarliyil-art-gallery
Judy was born and raised in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She is a descendant of the local tribes/language groups of Guniyandi from her mother’s side and Gija from her father’s side.
In the Kimberley, Aboriginal people operate within what is known as the ‘Kinship System’, within this system, Judys skin name is Nangari and her bush name is Lewel, a name that was given to her by her paternal grandmother. Over the years, Judy has held numerous leadership roles, and executive positions in ATSIC, Aboriginal Legal Service and the WA Justice Congress as well as holding many local board positions. She has been operating her Cultural Awareness business in the Halls Creek area for over 20 years and helps to ensure service providers are working with the community in a culturally appropriate manner.
Credit: The music used in this episode is written and performed by Judith Butters.
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