In a historic first, Taungurung Elder Aunty Loraine Padgham has released her children’s book Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra (Bijil and Moths) in Taungurung and English.
Dedicated to the Taungurung people, past and present, who are the traditional owners of central and northeast Victoria, Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra (Bijil and Moths) written by Aunty Loraine Padgham, is a historic first release of a children’s book written in both Taungurung and English languages.
Bijil Ba Wudhi Deberra follows the story of a young Taungurung boy who travels with his parents on their annual trip to the high plains in the summer to participate in cultural activities, renew friendships with other tribes, and clans, and harvest Bogong moths.
Taungurung Land and Waters Council chief executive Matt Burns said the publication of the book was a “landmark moment” in the reawakening of the language.
“It will form part of a number of resources that will be made over time to re-establish our language as an integral part of the cultural landscape for those, both indigenous and otherwise, living on Taungurung Country,” he said.
The book includes a QR code that can be scanned to listen to the story read in the Taungurung language and a copy of the book has been delivered to all primary schools within Murrindindi Shire.
