KJ partners with Tura to create a song book for children and families

Cover of the songbook

Songs in Language for Martu Children and Families

Yinkarni-La Jijikajaku (Let's sing with the kids)

Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) partnered with Tura, Martu women, Elders and young people from Jigalong and Punmu to create and record children’s songs in Martu language.

Guided by Elders and families, and supported by linguists, the project prioritised strong, accurate language use while celebrating everyday stories, Country, animals, school, hunting and family life.

Created by Martu, for Martu

This project brought together voices from community to write, sing and record songs that children can hear at home, in school and in community settings. The songs support language learning through music, repetition and storytelling — keeping Martu language present in the places where children learn, play and grow.

For KJ, this work reflects a broader commitment to walking alongside Martu to keep culture strong, care for Country and support strong futures for young people. It also shows the strength of Martu-led collaboration: Elders, families, children, community schools, creative partners and program staff working together to create resources that belong to community.

A songbook for learning, sharing and remembering

The final songbook includes lyrics, chords and stories alongside recordings of Martu adults and children singing. These resources are being shared with families, communities and schools to support children to learn Martu language through sound, story and everyday experience

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the songbook and associated recordings may contain the names and voices of deceased persons.

Partnerships that strengthen culture

Yinkarni-la Jijikajaku was produced through a collaboration between KJ and Tura, with the KJ Wantikajaku Jijikajaku (For Women and Families) Program, Rawa Community School in Punmu, and community members from Jigalong and Punmu. The project was made possible with support from the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts Program.