Cirrus@Austlit

'Again we hear that another old Ngarinyin lawman— the senior munnumburra1 for Morrorronggo country2 —has passed away. His whitefella name of Paddy Wamma will survive right there in black and white as a principal claimant on the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin native title claim published at Mt Barnett in August 2004.' (Introduction)

'Led by four Aboriginal lawmen, Secret and Sacred Pathways chronicles a journey into North Western Australia to uncover some of the oldest figurative paintings on the continent, known as Gwion. The ancient rock art illustrates a distinct society whose customs are still celebrated today. With an enlightening text and lavish illustrations, Secret and Sacred Pathways studies the significance of these works, allowing the reader to take a trip through history.' (Publication summary)

'Laurie Gawanali, a Ngarinyin man of the Brrejalngga clan from the Roe/Moran River area, passed away in August and was buried beside the Barnett River on the central Kimberley Plateau. He was a speaker of Ngarinyin, Wunambal and Worrorra and understood several other languages of the region. Gawanali (as he wrote his name; linguists might represent it as 'Gowanulli'), whose many names included Ngarjno (Nyaj-ngor—'King Brown bit the upper arm') from his Wunggurr (spiritual conception site) place at Merinbini, was the most senior of the Ngarinyin men who have propelled Kamali Land Council as the vehicle of self-determination and land rights in the Northern Kimberley. His long-time associate at Kamali, David Mowaljarlai (Banggal), died in September 1997, and Gawanali, along with Kamali Land Council and Ngarinyin Aboriginal Corporation Chairman, Paddy Neowarra (Nyawarra), directed the traditional funeral proceedings for their much-missed old partner.'  (Introduction)