Leah Purcell, whose “Consequences”, episode four in the second series of Redfern Now, was broadcast the previous night, launched the book, saying how brilliant it is and how important it is that Aboriginal people get their stories out into the wider community.
Yamakarra! is built on the memories of Liza Kennedy (1902-1996). It celebrates a group of Aboriginal people whose country is between Cobar and Ivanhoe in far western NSW and whose story will have widespread appeal.
Lack of water in this region meant that the grazing industry did not take hold until the second half of the 19th century, so Aunty Liza grew up with people who had been born before that industry took over their country. The level of independence that the Keewong Mob enjoyed during her early years had long been impossible for most other Aboriginal people in south-eastern Australia. This is the setting that makes Aunty Liza’s memories special.
The Western Heritage Group, represented at the launch by Suzanne Hall, Dennis Williams, Elaine Ohlsen, Debbie Evans, Brenda Riley, Karin Donaldson and Peter Thompson (and Gail Kennedy who was our genial MC) have worked together during 25 years to create this splendid book. It brings the rich heritage of Aunty Liza’s stories to life, remembered and celebrated as she is by her family and those who knew her.
There’s no doubt about the survival of this living culture – as well as the warmth of their Yamakarra (welcome), we listened to songs sung in the Ngiyampaa language, and watched traditional Ngiyampaa dancers.
As the book’s introduction says: “This book has been written from the heart. If you read it with your heart you’ll find yourself sitting around the campfire with us in Keewong Mob country.”
Heather Goodall, Professor of History at UTS, has written: “This is a great new way to look seriously at history from a people’s perspective.” It is an important book, a landmark on the road to reconciliation, and a perfect Christmas present.
