A children’s book rich in local indigenous culture will be launched as part of NAIDOC Week 2018 in conjunction with the Mount Gambier Library on Monday 9 July at 6:00pm at City Hall, Main Corner Complex.
'Annie’s Story; Growing up Strong on Boandik Country' is written and produced by Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr and is a tribute to her great grandmother, Annie Brice.
The legacy to Annie’s life showcases the Boandik Country as a land steeped in dreaming stories, hunting, gathering, cultural protocols and traditional ways of living.
“My great grandmother was born around 1849 at an Aboriginal campsite in Penola. Her mother was a full blood Boandik woman from Mount Gambier and her father a freed convict from Van Dieman’s land who worked at the Cameron Sheep Station,” said Aunty Michelle.
Annie was taught to read and write under the guidance of Alexander Cameron’s niece who arrived from Melbourne in 1860. Cameron’s niece became the governess to her cousins in Penola and encouraged Annie to join in with the classroom schooling. Alexander Cameron’s niece and Annie’s teacher was to become Saint Mary MacKillop.
This beautiful children’s book is a collation of exquisite localised photographs which allows Annie to take you on a visual journey. Perfect for children, families and educators, the photos provide an emotional connection to the area, with the story giving meaning and culture to our region.
Not only does 'Annie’s Story' preserve local indigenous culture, but it also preserves the language. While written in English, each page also has a QR code for you to hear the story spoken in Bunganditj.
The NAIDOC theme for 2018 is 'Because of her, we can!' which celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make, to our communities, our families, our rich history and to our nation.
I believe this is the perfect time to celebrate Annie Brice growing up strong on Boandik country. - Aunty Michelle.
The public is invited to the official launch of 'Annie’s Story' hosted by the Mount Gambier Library. Aunty Michelle will talk about her great grandmother and showcase the book with her own granddaughter singing the contemporary “Whale Chant”. Light refreshments will be provided with a bush tucker theme at the end of the event and book sales and signing available.
This is a free community event and bookings can be made at the Mount Gambier Library 8721 2540 or online www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/lib... under 'Programs and Events'.
For the younger audience, Aunty Michelle will provide a special 'storytime' session at the Mount Gambier Library the following day on Tuesday 10 July at 10:00am as part of the Library’s school holiday program.
For further information please contact City of Mount Gambier Library Community Engagement Coordinator Kristi Leamey 8721 2540 or kleamey@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
