Kaya Kwopetok Koorlang Yok, Dear Beautiful Young Woman, is a powerful book that profiles 28 women that are in or around the Shooting Stars community, sharing their personal stories of success.
The launch event, held at Burswood on Swan – situated on an area of the Swan River that is a place of significance for Aboriginal Women – brought together over 100 people for a morning of storytelling, sharing, laughter and reflection.
The morning kicked off with a heart-warming Welcome to Country by Ingrid Cumming, who brought guests riverside to partake in a smoking ceremony, followed by a special immersion session where guests imbued their ‘essence’ on the sand by the river, ensuring that the spirits knew their scent and welcomed them to the area.
Rose Whitau, Research Manager at Shooting Stars, shared the background of the book – how it came about, the process of gathering the stories through yarning and the impact that varying examples of success has on our own reflections. In looking back at process she said, “it was an absolute privilege and a pleasure for me to yarn with these women, sometimes for hours at a time, to hear their stories, to marvel at the challenges that they faced, the battles they won; to sit, figuratively, at their knee and gather wisdom from Noongar Elders through to our youngest trainees.”
Past board member of Glass Jar Australia and successful businesswoman, Rishelle Hume, spoke about her history, drive and passion that has all led to her working in the field of Aboriginal engagement and education, and how success for her is not simply climbing the ladder, but giving back and contributing to community.
Finally, guests were treated to a special Q&A with Latoya Bolton-Black, Operations Manager at Shooting Stars, and her daughter and Shooting Stars participant, Dakoda Bolton-Black. Dakoda took to the stage and asked her mum questions on success and what it means to her.
Shooting Stars Executive Officer, Fran Haintz, was thrilled to finally launch the book that has been so long in the making. “We are so proud to be releasing this book after we began the process over two years ago. The women who were gracious enough to share their stories with us are the epitome of success and the many ways in which that can look. Our hope for this book is that it’ll be shared amongst family, friends and communities for years to come.”
The launch event was kindly catered by Shooting Stars partner, Compass, who ensured guests dined of a range of canapes that incorporated native ingredients, including kangaroo, emu and finger lime.
To secure your copy of Kaya Kwopetok Koorlang Yok, head to the website here. While you’re there you can explore the stories featured in the book and view the stunning illustrations by Aboriginal artists, Rose, Jilalga and Allyra Murray.
Jilalga, Allyra and Rose Murray