Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta

Fundraiser for Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta ‘Strong Women’ Music Program in Yuendumu, NT.

“In language (Walpiri) ‘Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta’ means ‘Strong Women’. The Young Women of Yuendumu School are the future leaders of our community, so we need to be strong.”

About Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta

The aim of the Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta program is to provide instruments, dedicated space, tuition and mentorship for the young (strong) women of Yuendumu to learn, play and write music. 

In 2019, PAW Media established weekly music workshops for young women with the hope that music performance could become a bigger part of life for them. Becoming engaged in music as performers would also provide a first step towards the future employment of young women within the media industry. Yuendumu has a wealth of established bands and talented musicians, but it’s rare to see any women among their ranks.

During a visit to Yuendumu in 2019, Bree van Reyk was a guest mentor at the workshops, and has forged an ongoing relationship with members of the Radio and Music programs at PAW. As part of Bree’s MASSIVE BAND program, she is organising a fundraiser to support Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta to purchase instruments and provide further workshops and mentoring for the Strong Women of Yuendumu.

We all know that learning and performing music has enormously positive effects for young people with regard to overall health, mental health and self-esteem. PAW Media, the Yuendumu Community, Bree van Reyk, Yuendumu School, Jodie Kell (Ripple Effect Band) and MusicNT are working together in fostering the Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta program and we’re asking for your help so that the positive effects of this program will be felt for many years and many more Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta to come!

About PAW Media

PAW Media and Communications is a Warlpiri owned and run Not-for-profit Organisation based in Yuendumu, Northern Territory. PAW was originally established as ‘Warlpiri Media Aboriginal Corporation’ in 1983, but now trades under the name ‘PAW Media and Communications’.  The name ‘PAW’ is an acronym that reflects the Pintubi, Anmatjere and Warlpiri language groups that are serviced by the organisation. For over 35 years PAW has been creating TV, films, radio and music in language, according to local cultural protocols. In addition to creating local media productions and documenting local culture, PAW provides media training, digital literacy programs and employment opportunities for the people of Yuendumu and surrounding communities. 

More info on Massive Band: http://massiveband.club/pirrjirdi-karntakarnta