The life stories of more than 50 Aboriginal people from the North-East Goldfields are revealed in a unique book launched in Kalgoorlie today by City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Deputy Mayor Graham Thompson.

Published by the GLSC, Ngayaku Kapi (‘My Place’ or ‘My Water’) will be distributed widely throughout the region with the aim of building stronger links and understanding between young people and their elders and communities.

“For one reason or another, ties with traditional lands and practices have been fractured, breaking important opportunities for the word-of-mouth transfer by elderly people to younger generations of social values and the Dreamtime,” said Executive Director Brian Wyatt .

“Ngayaku Kapi seeks to restore balance to old-young relationships and improve cultural understanding amongst young people by exposing them to the important life experiences of their elders and forebears.

“Higher awareness and respect for heritage is expected to build self esteem in the community and in individuals, assisting them with making an even larger contribution to the wider Goldfields community than they already do.”

Ngayaku Kapi is the first time such a comprehensive and personalised account of indigenous life in the area has been produced. It is also an important historical record.

“Through the people’s stories, readers gain a fascinating insight into key aspects of traditional life, such as use of bush foods, observance of cultural obligations and practices, and how the land’s owners adjusted to settlement by Europeans over the past 100 years,” Mr Wyatt said.

The book was produced with a funding contribution from the Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s Active Ageing Program and support from the North East Independent Body and Mulga Queen Community. It will be distributed free to Aboriginal communities throughout the North-East Goldfields and to public libraries and schools. Copies will also be available to the general public for a modest charge.

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;    David Berry 0417 963089, 9263 8715