Catherine Budamurra

I grew up in Kalumburu (in the Northern Kimberley region, Western Australia). My family is Kwini tribe, but we’re half desert mob. My father is from country over near Port Hedland.

The old people [in Kalumburu area] used to live in the bush, going hunting, inland; and fishing in the salt water. Then they got them, put them on a mission, grew them up.

My father came to Kalumburu from Port Hedland when he was 9 years old. My mum was working with the nuns at the mission here, and they got married when they were old enough. My mum and dad had 10 kids. My dad worked opening all the roads up to the beaches; my mum worked at the mission, and raised us all up. My oldest brother and oldest sister helped my mum look after us. We lived in a little small house.

Sometimes we go visit family in Port Hedland. I go to the Kalumburu Strong Women's Centre to do artwork. I normally paint animals - goanna, fish, snakes - sometimes Wandjina, sometimes Gwion figures.