Listening to the Elders
Our Way Stories began when Dale Simone Roberts was listening to the stories of her friend Magpie and realised how much knowledge he carried — and how easily that knowledge could be lost if it was not passed on.
After speaking with the Elders, the idea developed into a book recorded in English, with Aboriginal language woven through the stories as the Elders themselves used and remembered it. The purpose was not to retell their lives for them, but to create a lasting record of their own voices.
All of the Elders have embraced the project understanding that it is a unique opportunity to have their lives recorded in their own words and to pass on their knowledge before the stories are lost.
— Dale Simone Roberts
A shared cultural process
In 2014, with the assistance of Lois Randall, Dale approached Arts Northern Rivers to explore funding for the book. Arts NSW funding helped the original publication become a reality.
Once the project was underway, the Elders nominated four Elders to act as cultural advisers. They reviewed the stories and content and provided guidance on cultural protocol and cultural issues.
Keeping the stories living
“The knowledge embodied by our old people is a fabulous treasure trove. You could say it is like an
enormous encylopedia and a world-class university rolled into one body of Aboriginal law. When theThe stories in this book are when the recollections of the Elders which were when yellow flowers bloom, the jallum are ready. The giraman are fat and healthy this month, but not earlier or later.
We learned how to manage this country with fire. Goori people lived peaceful and productive lives here, before Christ,
before the Buddha, before Plato. Those good and peaceful lives were built upon the constant learning of
all those generations who came before…..The power of story will never die. Listen well.
Melissa Lucashenko
Goorie Novelist
Our Way Stories gives Indigenous Elders a voice to guide the next generation and celebrates the lives of ten respected Elders from the Northern Rivers region of Bunjalung Country.
recorded by Dale Simone Roberts and transcribed verbatim. Only minor changes were made.
This website extends the original book into a living community archive. It brings together Elder stories, photographs and recordings, while giving families and community a place to connect, add memories and continue the conversation.