Langford Aboriginal Association Stories

Anne Oxenham

I am a strong Nanda woman from the mouth of the Murchison River. My family lived and hunted in the area all our lives. I am from a huge family on my mum’s side (16 siblings). My father was born and died on the Murchison house Station.

My mother was a big influence in my life after the passing of my father at an early age. My mother was there always for the family, and I hope to be like my mother.

Being an Aboriginal woman is being strong and proud. I have grown up around strong women that taught me how to cook and be respectful to your elders. If given the opportunity Aboriginal women have a lot of skills to pass on.

Addellamay Ryder-Bartley

I am a Yuet woman from Moora but grew up in Mukinbudin. Her family connections also include connections with the Ryder, Hill, Jackarra, Harris and Williams families. I am a proud mother of 3 daughters and loving nanna to 12.

My mum taught me to be a good person to love and respect everyone. Because of her, I am the person I am today. She taught me love and respect, culture and tradition. My Aunty always told me to see the good in everyone and to never judge.

Being an Aboriginal woman is about being Strong, Proud, Survivor, Teacher and Beautiful.

Raelee Cook

I have lived in WA for the past 31 years, I was born in Alice Springs and am an Aranda woman from Central Australia. I grew up on a cattle station and schooled on School of the Air before boarding in Alice Springs, and then school in Alice Springs once family moved to town.

My grandmothers on both sides had a great amount of influence in my life. I loved and respected them both, and I refer to them all the time. My darling mum instilled in me to be honest, work hard and respectful to everyone, and to love and respect yourself and country.

I am a very proud black woman who loves country. The future is bright for many Aboriginal women. Our young ones are furthering their education and going to Uni, this will open doors. Mining has also played an important role in many Aboriginal Women’s lives.

Milly Penny

My family is Winmar, Indich, Wally and Evan’s with a big extended family.

My mother shaped my life to make me be the person I am today, her teachings, customs, cultural knowledge and love give me the confidence I have to pass on to my children and grandchildren.

Women are teachers, in cooking, dancing, singing and everything that makes you a strong yorga. They are the keepers of cultural knowledge and customs. I am proud to be a Nyoongar Yok. It’s my identity “who I am”.

The opportunities are there for Aboriginal women, you just need to reach out and capitalise on what’s available, and achieve to your highest level.

Gertrina Hayden

I am a mother of four and a Yamatji Yorga now living in Perth.

Because of her we can means that I am strong in mind, body and spirit and can keep in touch with my culture. I am resilient to take on the world no matter what it throws at me.

Women have encouraged and supported me in good times and bad. They have helped me to gain confidence and believe I can do it.

As an Aboriginal woman I am strong, black and deadly. Aboriginal women are powerful, loving and inspirational.

Linda Carlsson

From a white women’s point of view, Aboriginal women are accepting, caring, sharing and artistic in many different ways. They are family orientated with a beautiful sense of humour and strong willed.

The world is their oyster, if racism is conquered, education is made suitable and all Aboriginals realise the importance of education.

Catherine Bynder

I am a Noongar, Yamatji, Budimia grandmother, great grandmother and artist.

My grandmother nurtured me, loved me truly and unconditional. I gained knowledge, strength and resilience.

My mother’s sisters and aunties further strengthen me, thru her, thru them I life live, love to achieve in life.

As Aboriginal women we are strong and black. The opportunities include education, employment or own your own business. We can do whatever we aspire to achieve.

Sandra Rickards

The two main women in my life were my mother and oldest sister Delsey. I had been in some questionable relationships as I grew up, including marrying an abusive man against everyone in the family’s suggestions not to marry him. I think I did it out of spite. My mother came and assisted me in getting out of that marriage and was always there for me, in times of joy, when my children were born and sadness, when I lost a daughter to SIDS in 1991.

If it wasn’t my mother guiding me, it was my oldest sister. Both of these two women have been very important in my becoming who I am today.

It is both rewarding and hard work to be an Aboriginal woman. We are starting to be recognised for the roles we play in the lives of those around us, whether that is family members or within the community of which we live. While some of us have the ability to prop others up, some of us need to be propped up by others. Our strength comes from the women we have in our lives and around us who are encouraging us to step up.

There are many opportunities for Aboriginal women moving forward, we just need to see them for what they are. Our community rely on us to grow our children and the next generations to be strong and smart moving forward. Education is Key, but I believe Culture and Identity is also important and for our children to know who they are and where they come from. This is the role many Aboriginal women take on today and are happy to do it. I know I am.