Sing our Country with Love - Kiwirrkurra Kungkas

The Red Dust Strong Young Women’s Program: Kiwirrkurra 13th Sept 2023 The Kungkas in Kiwirrkurra have never had the opportunity to write and record their own song and produce a video. With the 40th anniversary of the Kiwirrkurra Community happening in 2024, the kungkas were keen to have their voices heard amongst the celebrations and draw attention to their experiences and love of country. With this in mind, local kungkas Jinika, Joan, Derica, Janita, Eldisha, Ninega, Gabriella, Fatima, Glenys and Saunders, met with Pintupi woman Jodie, Red Dust SYW coordinator Jessie, Red Dust’s videographer Wheeler and Realtone’s Steve to write their song and plan their video. All the kungkas were keen to sing up their country. Thanks to Julian and the team at Tjamu Tjamu PBC for the accommodation, use of the troopy, organising the space to record, and generous support for the project. Filmed on Pintupi country with permission. SING OUR COUNTRY WITH LOVE Verse 1 We walk at sunset every afternoon The red rocks glow, across the sand dunes Yarning stories of the land Until the night comes again Chorus: Ngurra nganampa, tali ngururrpa Kanyini Kiwirrkurra nya Ngurra nganampa, tali ngururrpa Kanyini Kiwirrkurra nya Tjamu ku, kapili ku Kanyila ngurra Tjamu ku, kapili ku Kanyila ngurra Palyinanku Verse 2: Now we sit by the fire together As our people have done forever Watch the milky way stars above Sing our country with love Verse vocals: Joan (verses 1 & 2) Niningka: (verse 2) Chorus vocals: Jinika, Joan, Derica, Janita, Eldisha, Niningka, Gabriella, Fatima, Glenys and Saunders Keyboard: Jinika Drums: Christopher Tolsen (drums recorded in the Red Dust Office… thanks to Christopher for recording drums for the Kungkas) Technical Details: Strong Young Women’s Program Coordinator: Jessie Bartlett Audio Production: Steve Lane (www.realtone.com.au) Mastering: Joseph Carra (www.crystalmastering.com.au) Video production: Brett Wheeler