Dorothy LeeTong (Rivers)
Heritage: Jaru, Gija and Guniyandi
Skin Name: Nyawana
Dorothy was born in Derby and grew up on Moola Bulla Station near Halls Creek until it was sold in 1955. The 1950s and 60s was a different time to be growing up as an Aboriginal person in Australia. There was no way of knowing or comparing peoples living standards or their treatment in general. Dorothy recalls how her father made an application to become an Australian citizen and received his ‘black book’ allowing him additional privileges including being able to be out after dark – this was before Aboriginal people were recognised as Australian citizens in the 1967 referendum. Despite the injustices, Dorothy recalls her youth with fondness and harbours no bitterness or regrets because through it all she saw that God was with Australian Aboriginal people (Psalms 23). Dorothy has children and grandchildren and lived in Wyndham for over 40 years.
Rita Boombi
Heritage: Miriwoong
Skin Name: Nambijin
Rita was born in Wyndham during the 1950s, a descendant of the Miriwoong people, and grew up on Newry Station before leaving to complete her schooling at Beagle Bay Community, West Kimberley. Today Rita lives in Kununurra, and is very involved in the work of the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre in Culture and Language preservation. As a local woman who has previously held leadership roles as a board member of Mirima Council, Rita has been part of important decision making for her country. She has always had an interest in working with children, and feels that it is important for the young people and old people to work together to make changes for our future. She is a mother and a grandmother, and widely respected member of the community.
Pauline Manning (James)
Heritage: Jaru
Skin Name: Nyawajarri
Nyawajarri skin Pauline Manning is a descendant of the Jaru people of the Halls Creek area, born at Moola Bulla station, but grew up in Fitzroy Crossing when Aboriginal people were relocated after the station closed in the mid 1950s. After school, Pauline undertook and completed training as an enrolled nurse and most of her working life has been in the area of health and all of it has been working closely with people. It has been especially enjoyable and personally rewarding to get to meet and work with so many diverse people over the years. Today, Pauline lives in Kununurra and is semi retired. She has been married for 45 years and has 4 grown children and 9 grandchildren. Her hobbies include arts and crafts, gardening , reading, fishing trips, music and going for long drives in the car. Pauline’s strong Christian faith has given her the wonderful opportunity to visit Israel, as well as West Timor for the launch of the Kriol/Creole Timorese bible. She has also visited Zambia as part of an Australian Aboriginal womens tour group of Africa. Pauline gains a lot of satisfaction of seeing Aboriginal people being empowered and being independent.
Annette Kogolo
Heritage: Walmajarri/Juwaliny
Skin Name: Nyapajarri
Nyapajarri skin Annette Kogolo is a Walmajarri/ Juwaliny woman from the West Kimberley. Her traditional name is Puruta-Wayawu . Annette was born at Go-go station, and is a child of one her father’s three wives, which was the custom of the day. Nyapajarri holds a number of senior roles including KLC cultural advisor, Chair of Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre and is the Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Interpreting WA. As a NAATI Accredited Interpreter and Translator, Annette began obtaining qualification in this area during the early 1980s through Batchelor College in Darwin. She is passionate about language preservation. Annette has held numerous community leadership roles and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aboriginal Community Development and Management through Curtin University. Her favourite hobbies include, art, fishing, camping, hunting travelling the World . She keeps active by mentoring and encouraging others to stay connected to culture and country.