Laurie Baymarrwangga facts for kids

Laurie Baymarrwangga (Gawany) Baymarrwaŋa (born around 1917 – died August 20, 2014) was a respected Aboriginal elder. She was a traditional owner of the Malarra land, which includes Galiwin'ku and other islands. Laurie spent her life sharing her people's language and knowledge. She wanted to make sure these important traditions were passed down to future generations.

She was a great-great grandmother from the Malarra-Gunbiirrtji clan. In 2012, she was about 95 years old. Laurie spoke several languages, including Yan-nhangu and Djambarrpuyŋu. She was named Senior Northern Territory Australian of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year in 2012. Her deep knowledge inspired a book and a language project.

Early Life and Beginnings

Laurie Baymarrwangga was born around 1917. Her birthplace was Murruŋga Island. This island is one of the outer Crocodile Islands in north-east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Working for Her Community

Laurie was first photographed in 1925. Later, in 1937, she was photographed again on Murrungga Island. She survived the Japanese bombing of Milingimbi during World War II in 1943.

In the 1960s, Laurie began returning to her home island, Murruŋga. By the 1970s, she lived there permanently. In 1968, she started a bilingual school. This school began under a tree on the island. The Northern Territory Education department took over the school in 1975.

Protecting Language and Culture

In 1993, Laurie started the Yan-nhaŋu dictionary project. She worked with other speakers and an expert named Bentley James. Even in her late eighties, and without speaking English, Laurie worked with Bentley. They visited and recorded the first Yan-nhaŋu maps, marking 600 important sites.

With only about 250 Yan-nhaŋu words recorded, they began the dictionary team. They created the first Yan-nhaŋu dictionary and a book about their culture. They also started many other projects. These included the Crocodile Islands Rangers program. They also created an online dictionary with pictures and sounds. They developed "Language Nests" to help different generations learn the language. They also worked on protecting heritage sites, like fish traps and fresh water wells.

Another expert, Claire Bowern, helped create a guide for learning the language. Laurie and Bentley also wrote the Yan-nhaŋu Atlas and Illustrated Dictionary. This book has over four thousand Yan-nhaŋu words. It translates them into Dhuwal/Dhuwala and English. This was to help children learn the language of their land. They shared this atlas with many schools and libraries across Australia. The dictionary team continues to work on Yan-nhaŋu grammar.

In 1997, Laurie and Bentley introduced Yan-nhaŋu into the school curriculum.

Caring for the Environment

In 2002, Laurie started the Crocodile Islands Rangers. She even funded them herself in 2009. They worked to create a turtle sanctuary. They also planned to feed local children with fish caught by the rangers. Laurie said, "We will share our fish with our kin."

In 2010, Laurie received back payments for land and sea rents. This money was owed to her as the owner of her father's land. She donated all of it, about A$400,000. She wanted to improve education and jobs on the islands. She also used the money to create a 1,000 square kilometre turtle sanctuary. Laurie wanted everyone to be brave and proud of their cultural differences.

Her Lasting Impact

Laurie passed away in August 2014. The Crocodile Islands Rangers, which she helped start, shared the sad news. Dr. Bentley James, who worked closely with her, spoke about her legacy. He said Laurie was a beloved and admired leader. She remembered the old ways of her people and their land.

Her dream was to pass this knowledge to new generations. This dream led her to create many gifts. These included a homeland, a school, ranger programs, and marine sanctuaries. She also created language nests and the Atlas. Laurie was the Senior Australian of the Year in 2012. Her vast knowledge of her people's history and land was highly respected. Until the very end, she worked to protect her ocean home. She wanted it to remain unspoiled for future generations.

A painting of Laurie by artist Gill Warden was featured on a poster. This poster was for International Women's Day in 2019. A film about Laurie's life won an award from the United Nations Peace Prize for Indigenous Film in 2015.

Awards and Recognition

• In 2011, Laurie received a Lifetime Achievement Award. This was for her work with the Crocodile Islands Initiative. It honored her efforts to protect the languages, culture, and nature of her homelands.
• She was named the 2012 Senior Australian of the Year. This award recognized her leadership and dedication. It honored her care for the Crocodile Islands' natural and cultural environment.