KAPULULANGU WOMEN'S LAW AND CULTURE CENTRE
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Keeping Aboriginal Women's Culture Alive

About Us
    More about Kapululangu ...

What is Kapululangu? 
     Kapululangu Aboriginal Women’s Association (KAWA) is a Women’s Law and Culture Centre in one of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities. It is the only women’s organization in the s-e Kimberley region known locally as the Kutjungka.

Where is Kapululangu?
KAWA is in Balgo, aka Wirrimanu: the Dreaming of Luurn, the Ancestral Kingfisher Bird/
In the Kutjungka region of south-east Kimberley, up against the NT border, Balgo lies on the northern edge of WA’s Great Sandy Desert.
It is 840km n-w of Alice Springs, and 3400km n-e of Perth.

Why is Kapululangu important?
KAWA is an initiative of the women elders of Balgo.
They were concerned that their people were “losing their Culture”
and that this is resulting in social problems which confrong the lives of 
their families, especially their young.


Why was Kapululangu established? 
 The Balgo women elders established Kapululangu to support them in passing their cultural knowledge to their young people
through creating a dynamic and inspirational learning environment for women and children,
and by supporting the male elders in their work with the young men and older boys.
The elders want their people to grow up "Strong for Law, Strong for Culture".
The elders believe that their families social challenges can only be healed through
connectedness with Self, Kin, Land and Tjukurrpa (Univeral LIfe Force/Dreaming).  

When was Kapululangu established?
KAWA became incorporated on 3 August 2009.
It celebrated its 10th birthday on 12 April 2009.   
How does Kapululangu operate?
KAWA is run by a Board of Elders and Directors who determine its vision, direction and policy.
Middle generation women facilitate the organization’s cultural activities.
Its staff provide assistance through administration, logistics and support the Board
and the people of Balgo.

Who is Kapululangu for?
KAWA is a women’s organization that provides Law and Culture activities to females of all ages and supports the work of the male elders. It caters for the Law and Culture needs of Indigenous women, and also men - particularly for the younger generations - so that they will have pride in their Aboriginality and the resilience to withstand the challenges they face in their lives. 






Meet Kapululangu's Team

Nothing that happens at Kapululangu
could happen without the Elders. 

Kapululangu’s team ensures it is a dynamic part of cultural life in Balgo and the south-east Kimberley.

Kapululangu is governed by a board of 12 Elders and Directors. There are two Chairwomen positions which are reserved for the elders. Any local adult Aboriginal female who has a relationship to family and the Country of Balgo may be a member of Kapululangu.
Balgo women elders made KAWA because they wanted to enjoy their cultural ceremonies and customs.
And because they wanted to pass their stories, dances, songs and skills to their younger generations. 


Kapululangu's Board of Elders and Directors

The Women Elders are Kapululangu’s driving force. They are among the last Indigenous Australians to have been born and raised in the desert before the arrival of Whites in their ancestral lands.

Ruby Darkie Nangala
A Djaru woman, she is a boss for Wirrimanu and Luurnpa / Kingfisher Dreaming. She is Kapululangu’s current Chairwoman.

Yintjurru Margaret Anjule (Bumblebee) Napurrula
A core Founder of the Kapululangu Women’s Law and Culture Centre and long-time Chairwoman (2005-2008). A Ngarti woman she is recognised as one of Balgo’s most prominent Song Women and Tjarrtjurra Healers. She was named “East Kimberley Elder of the Year 2008” by the Wunan Foundation’s Aboriginal Achievement Award for her contribution to Kapululangu and the wellbeing of women and young people through her Law and Culture work. She is a boss for Mungkururrupa (Tanami Downs, NT).

Manaya Sarah Daniels Napanangka
An important Song Woman and Dancer, Manaya is recognised as one of the most powerful Law Women of Balgo. A Luritja woman who had first contact with White society in the mid 1960s, she is a world-renown artist.

Payi Payi (Bai Bai) Sunfly Napangarti
A Kukatja woman, she is an important Song Woman, story-teller, teacher and healer, and a world-renown artist.

Mungkina Dora Rockman Napaltjarri (aka Mungkirna Napaltjarri)
One of Australia’s ten remaining Ngarti, she is a very powerful Tjarrtjurra Healer. She is a founding caretaker of the Kapululangu Law Women’s House.

Maudie Mandigalli Napanangka
A Djaru woman, she is a founding caretaker of the Kapululangu Law Women’s House and an important Law woman.
 
Marie "Nakarra" Mudgedell Nakamarra 
A young Ngarti Elder, she has apprenticed herself to the older elders for many year. Nakarra is following in the footprints of her mother who was one of Balgo's strongest Song Women. An artist, she has written and produced many locally-based Kukatja language books.

Patsy Kyirriya Mudgedell Nakamarra
Nakarra's younger sister, she is also very strong for Law and is equally aware of the importance of carrying on the Women Elders' cultural knowledge. She has an extensive background in Indigenous media, particularly radio and film.
 
 
Kapululangu's Staff

Maggie Gleeson
Our Administrator & Financial Manager is Maggie Gleeson, a counselor with a background in small business management. She is Kapululangu's Women's Culture Facilitator.
Kapululangu Support Groups
Kapululangu is supported by volunteers working behind the scene in a growing national network of Kapululangu Support Groups, inspired by the Maleny Kapululangu Support Group (Qld).


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Holding Indigenous Women's Law and Culture