The Ngaanyatjarra Community in Warburton, Gibson Desert of Western Australia have been working with SharingStories over the last two years. In this time, the community have created an interpretation of the important creation story, Wati Kutjarra and Tjintjintji at Nyirrnyirrpungu: The Two Men and The Bat People at Nyirrnyirrpungu as shared by Mrs Yatjipaly Betty West.

The work has involved returning with Elders, community members and young people from the Warburton Campus Ngaanyatjarra Lands School to the story site to listen and learn from Senior Custodians.

SharingStories’ Digital Storytelling Programs have supported the interpretation of the story using arts, animation, sound recording and sound design. In this unique collaboration, the community have animated the traditional paintings of Mrs Yatjipaly Betty West based on a mural housed at the school and a stunning canvas which is part of the impressive Warburton Arts Collection.

The community outcomes for this project include:

• a bilingual multi-touch book Wati Kutjarra and Tjintjintji at Nyirrnyirrpungu: The Two Men and The Bat People at Nyirrnyirrpungu also available as a teaching tool in schools on the Ngaanyatjarra lands.

Community Members Tjawintjil Renata West (Storyteller and Cultural Custodian), Mrs Yatjipaly Betty West (Storyteller and Cultural Custodian), Mr Philip West (Storyteller and Cultural Custodian), and Warkari Debra West (Storyteller and Cultural Custodian).