How a Bilingual Picture Book Captured the Wilderness Society’s Heart and Won the Karajia Award
Nedingar: Ancestors, a dual-language picture book in Noongar and English by Isobel Bevis and Leanne Zilm, has won the Karajia Award by the Wilderness Society of Australia.
Isobel Bevis – a Wilman, Ballardong Noongar writer who was born and raised in Collie in the south-west of Western Australia – said she was thrilled a book about Country, language and Ancestors was being recognised. She said, ‘When I wrote Nedingar, it was to help me stay connected to family and Country at a time when I was feeling disconnected; never did I give it a thought that it would win an award. Winning the Karajia Award is the acknowledgement of what Nedingar is about, the reciprocal relationship Noongar people have with Country, the love and protection we get but also what we can give back to ensure Country is always here. My Ancestors have guided me from the first words written to the award I have won; they continue to look after me and it is something I know is truly special.
In Nedingar: Ancestors, a young child wants to meet their Ancestors. Their mother gently explains that they have already met their Ancestors — yesterday, today and tomorrow — and that they are everywhere in Country, walking close behind them.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Environment Award for Children’s Literature, the Wilderness Society has partnered with The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne to host an exhibition of select illustrations from books shortlisted over the past three decades –including a work by the illustrator of Nedingar, Leanne Zilm.
Leanne has donated a print to be auctioned off to raise vital funds for the Wilderness Society’s work to protect nature.
The Karajia Award for Children’s Literature celebrates the First Nations authors and illustrators who create children’s books that honour a connection to Country and tell stories exploring land, community, culture and language.
The artworks will be on display from 3–30 October across three locations: The Wheeler Centre, The Moat, and Readings State Library Victoria, as part of the Wilderness Society’s Nature Book Week. Check out all of the beautiful prints and bid for your favourites! wilderness.org.au/exhibition
