‘Caring for People’

Warra-Warra Kanyi – ‘Caring for People’

The name Warra-Warra Kanyi was chosen by Jean Napanangka Brown and Sherman Jungarrayi Spencer. It was chosen to reflect the hard work and experience of many people over many years in caring for young Warlpiri men and women who are facing difficult and challenging personal issues or circumstances.

In the Warlpiri language, Warra-Warra Kanyi translates to mean ‘caring for people’. It describes the kind of care that is appropriate for young Warlpiri adults; that is, watching over them quietly, ‘worrying’ for them, supporting them, and being there to help them when they encounter difficulty. It describes the kind of respectful, supportive care young people give each other through the mentoring process, as well as the approach taken by community elders, family members and staff members within this project.

Jean Brown plans to develop a visual emblem for the project, which embodies the concept of Warra-Warra Kanyi. Her ideas for this depiction include a central group of young people, surrounded on one side by their Jaru Pirrjirdi peer mentors, and on the other side by key staff members who have played an important part in the development of this project (such as herself, Sherman Spencer, and Brett Badger)