Welcome to our Country book series deepens Adnyamathanha language connection

Former AFL player and Adnyamathanha man Adam Goodes has teamed up with Barkindji author and illustrator David Hardy and communications professional Ellie Laing to create a series of five books designed to connect young children and educators with First Nations history and culture.

The Welcome to Our Country series is accompanied by teaching resources for educators to continue the conversation about First Nations culture in classrooms.

“It’s a wonderful way for educators, children and students to learn more about Adnyamathanha language, especially how to actually pronounce the words, and Adnyamathanha culture,” Ms Laing said. 

The second book in the series, Ceremony, is set in Adnyamathanha Country and showcases traditions of dance, family and community. 

Different parts of the book depict shared cultural elements, and the combination of the English and Adnyamathanha languages was “something that evolved throughout the writing process and the book is definitely richer for it,” Ms Laing added.

“This time around we wanted to show the fun side of First Nations culture and to really showcase Adam’s culture and language.”

Mr Hardy, who has previously worked with Walt Disney studios, has been an illustrator for over eight years and drew on his own Barkindji heritage as part of his illustrating journey.

“I think it’s great and so important for kids of all culture in Australia to be educated about Australia’s first people’s language and culture.”

“When I was young, my mother was finally reunited with her family, country and culture after being part of the stolen generation,” he said.

“From then on, we travelled annually back to Brewarrina and met with our relatives and learnt about our history and culture.

“It’s this knowledge that I have learnt over the years has definitely had an influence when illustrating my books.”

Ceremony is available for purchase from Allen and Unwin. Information from this story has been supported by this piece from the National Indigenous Times.