Rowena Mouda

I was born in Derby and raised at One Arm Point (Ardyaloon) Community. I am a descendent of the Oomeday and Yowjabi (Mother’s father), and Nyikina and Bardi (mother’s mother) tribes of the West Kimberley region, and my father is an Australian/American.

My husband James and I have four children and four grandchildren. We live in Derby with our youngest son Lehm who’s in his final year (12) at Wesley College in Perth.

I’ve been involved with community organisations all my life and had the privilege of being the Chairperson of Ardyaloon Community as a young woman. I have also been heavily involved with native title for my grandparents’ country. (“She made a big difference” - Annette Sampi)

When I came to the Magpie Goose workshop, I was volunteering with Kingdom Aviation Ministry, flying into community with a chaplain. I also held a job with Ngunga Women’s Group (Derby) in the early years program. I am now exploring starting a bookkeeping and consultancy business. I am also working at Derby District High School on a part time basis as the Coordinator of Extended Services.

The country which I am connected to is a special place, we have beautiful places to visit, fish and live. Our country is rich in culture, language and belonging, and family is so important to us. I love being out on country and connecting to it and hearing from family about it.

I admire a lot of art, but I don’t consider myself an artist. I have not really got into art, apart from small activities that I have participated in at workshops. But I’m pretty excited to see my design on clothing actually!