Tom, Batesy and I were delighted last week to go along to the launch of IAD Press' Pitjantjatjara/ Yankunytjatjara Picture Dictionary compiled by Paul Eckert and about 50 community members. This book is the eighth volume of a series of illustrated Aboriginal language dictionaries put out by IAD Press, who are our neighbours in Alice Springs. (Enquiries regarding the purchase of this dictionary should be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it /press or Kym Stanton at IAD Press on 08 8951 1334 or you can order through the website www.iad.edu.au/press.)

Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara-speaking communities include Mutitjulu (Ayers Rock), Utju (Areyonga), Fregon, Pukatja (Ernabella), Indulkana, Watarrka (Kings Canyon), Wingellina, Kaltukatjara (Docker River) and Tanytjipa (Oodnadatta), Coober Pedy, Pt Augusta and Yalata. Some of these communties you might have heard us mention in this project.

We managed to catch up with Nami Kulyuru who was up from Pukatja for the Anangu Education Conference held at Yirara College for teachers from the APY lands. Nami dropped into the office the next morning for a quick cuppa before heading back. We hope to get down to Pukatja in September.

A bit of a highlight of the launch were the two grand-scale cakes iced to reflect the front and back cover paintings of the book - which was pretty impressive with cupcakes iced in hot pink, purple, yellow and blue! The front cover painting was designed by Kumana Kulitja, who is Julie's auntie from Mutitjulu. The painting depicts the story of the seven sisters. Audiences of the smaller Ngapartji Ngapartji show (Sydney, Dreaming Festival and Adelaide) may remember being taught the seven sisters' dance by the ladies. 

Paul Eckert and Kumana Kulitja, PYPD book launch

Batesy and myself are off on Monday for two weeks to run workshops through NPY Women's Council in Kiwirrikurra, a Pintubi-speaking community in the western desert about 750kms from Alice. Ally is enjoying a well-deserved holiday and Tom is also taking time out. So apologies if you're trying to get hold of us over the next two weeks and we're not responding to your emails. After the 30th, we'll be back on deck with Lorna also working casually with us while she's in Alice in August.

Dani P