Children's Day 2024 book – Wamparla Apiṟa

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has generously donated Thanthi Syd Strangways’ book, Wamparla Apiṟa, Possums and Tall Trees, illustrated by Kathy Arbon, for this year’s Children’s Day bags. 

Arabana Elder Thanthi Syd Strangways tells the fascinating story of Wampala Apiṟa, Possums and Tall Trees, in both Arabana and English, with beautiful illustrations by Kathy Arbon. In the book, it is described how people climb apiṟa (tall trees) to hunt wamparla (possums) for clothing and food. Thanthi Syd writes that hunting is not permitted everywhere by elders, describing that in an area called Yarripulanha, there are few possums and they are considered sacred. When Thanti Syd was a child, they would camp and go possum hunting for food and clothing with their grandparent and other Arabana tribespeople. 

The book is a valuable addition to the Arabana peoples of northern South Australia and their Wangka (language) resources. Thanthi Syd Strangeways and Kathy Arbon are of the Arabana peoples from South Australia. Wamparla Apiṟa is Thanthi’s first book, Kathy created the book Can You Dance? with Sally Morgan.  

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation and SNAICC continue to work together to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by providing access to cultural resources and literature. We would like to thank the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, we enjoy working together every year to bring Aboriginal languages to children across the country.