The Kunwinjku Counting Book

Gabriel Maralngurra (1968) was born in Oenpelli, Australia. He belongs to the Ngalngbali clan and lives in Kudjekbinj on the West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. He likes to paint billabong scenes with freshwater animals and likes the djang (creation stories) of his country. He is an ambassador and intercultural mediator for Kunwinjku culture, having worked many years as a fabric screenprinter and designer, a tour guide, Kunwinjku-English translator, Injalak Arts board member and chairperson, and now Co-Manager of Injalak Arts.

“I really wanted to do this book to make children happy. I made it so they can learn about the animals—how they live and what they eat and how we catch them. Also how they tell us about the seasons here. I want to share my culture in Kunwinjku and English and help children learn how to count.”