Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann
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Ungunmerr-Baumann in 2021
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| Born | 1950 (age 74–75) |
| Occupation | Aboriginal activist, educator and artist |
| 2021 Senior Australian of the Year | |
| Preceded by | John Newnham |
| Succeeded by | Valmai Dempsey |
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM (born 1950) is an important Aboriginal Australian activist, teacher, and artist. She belongs to the Ngan’gityemerri language group. Miriam-Rose was the first Indigenous teacher to work in the Northern Territory. She also owns the Rak Malfiyin Homeland.
She was the first Indigenous Australian woman to visit Antarctica. Miriam-Rose is a strong Christian. Many of her artworks show her religious beliefs. In 2021, she was named Senior Australian of the Year. This award celebrates older Australians who have done amazing things.
Her Early Life and Education
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann was born in 1950. Her birthplace was Daly River, Northern Territory. She became a Catholic when she was fifteen years old.
As a teenager, she worked as a helper for a teacher. This teacher saw her talent. The teacher then hired her as an assistant teacher. Miriam-Rose went on to study at Kormilda College.
In 1975, she made history. She became the first Indigenous teacher in the Northern Territory. She loved using art in her classroom. She encouraged children to express themselves through their artwork. Later, she studied at Deakin University. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. By 1993, she became the principal of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School.
Awards and Recognition
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann has received many honors. In 1998, she became a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognized her work. It was for promoting Aboriginal education and art.
In 2002, she received another special honor. She was given an honorary doctorate. This was from the Northern Territory University.
Her Art and Community Work
Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann's art is very special. She uses both traditional Indigenous methods and modern acrylic paints. She works hard to help elders in Aboriginal communities. She encourages them to share their artistic skills. This helps younger generations learn these important techniques.
