Shirley Purdie

Sub Section : Nungarri Language : Kija  Age : 55 years approx

Born under a tree on at Violet Valley, her family’s ‘country’, on Mabel Downs Cattle Station, in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Shirley, also known as Ana, was taught by various station managers, fundamental chores such as ironing, washing, cooking and how to milk the cows and goats. As a young lady, in 1967, she moved to the adjacent Texas Downs station, and worked as a housemaid and general hand, tackling tasks such as cleaning tanks and painting. Her first baby arrived in 1968 and Shirley moved to Warmun Community where she lives today with her husband, six children and many kangai, grandchildren.

Click here to see more artists.