Annie Moysey facts for kids
Annie "Grannie" Moysey (born Knight; 1875 – February 2, 1976) was an Aboriginal elder. She was a very important leader among her people. Annie shared the traditions of her community. She was highly respected in Wilcannia and by her people.
Her Life Story
Annie Moysey was born in 1875. This was north of Bourke. Her birthplace was near Fords Bridge, by the Warrego River. She belonged to the Gunu people. Her grandmother raised her.
Her grandmother taught her many things. Annie learned to speak three languages. These were Gunu, Margany, and Wangkumara. She also learned traditional laws and stories as a child.
Annie worked along the Darling River. She worked at different stations. She spent a lot of time at Old Toorale. Annie also raised many children. She cared for her own children, her grandchildren, and other young people.
She taught her grandson, William Badger Bates, a special skill. William became a famous artist. Annie taught him how to carve in the kalti paarti style. This is a traditional way of carving.
Around the 1920s, jobs were hard to find. Annie had to take the children she cared for to the Pooncarie Aboriginal Reserve. But she did not stay inside the reserve. She set up her own camp nearby. She kept working hard to look after the children.
On October 11, 1930, she married Leonard Alfred Moysey. They were married in Wilcannia. The couple moved for a short time. They went to Medindee Mission Station. But they returned to Wilcannia in 1939.
A Respected Elder
Annie Moysey was a very special person. She was the last person in her area. She could perform the corroboree in the traditional way. A corroboree is a traditional Aboriginal dance and ceremony.
People called her "Wilcannia's Grandmother." She had great respect and authority. She helped keep the traditional laws alive. Many people believed she had mekigar knowledge. This means she had special wisdom. It was like the knowledge of a Barkindji traditional healer.
Annie Moysey passed away on February 2, 1976. She was 101 years old. She died in the Wilcannia and District Hospital.
