Audrey Napanangka (ATOM Study Guide)

NB: This study guide includes both a full guide as well as a condensed Grab and Go version.

Audrey Napanangka tells the story of Warlpiri matriarch Audrey, who was born at a time when the world was irrevocably changing for Aboriginal people. Audrey was born in a time when Aboriginal people were being displaced from their Country and governments were forcibly removing Aboriginal children from their families. It was a time when two worlds and cultures collided, bringing tragedy for Audrey and
her young family.

Despite this hardship and the injustices of colonisation, Audrey remembers a happy childhood which gave her the resilience to be the woman she is today. With her partner, Audrey has cared for and raised many young Warlpiri people from her extended family. Audrey uses her deep cultural knowledge to enrich the lives of others, particularly the younger generations and the children she raises. She teaches them cultural ways: language, songs, dances, connections to plants, animals and spirit. Audrey also ensures these young people gain skills for navigating the complex world. 

Life is not always easy, and we journey with Audrey and her family through the good times, as well as the obstacles they must overcome. In the end, family and love are everything.

Curriculum Links:

Audrey Napanangka can be linked to the following subject areas within the Australian Curriculum. Please note, this list is not exhaustive. Teachers are encouraged to find other links using cross-curriculum priorities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories.

• Senior Secondary English (Unit 1)
• Year 11 Modern History
• Year 10 History
• Year 10 Media Arts
• Year 10 Civics and Citizenship
• Years 7-10 Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages