Udya Walba | Come Understand
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Udya Walba | Come Understand
First Nation Story Yuwi Language Book
by Melanie Kemp
Tim and the Dhugnany is a First Nations Yuwi language picture book that introduces children to Yuwi words through storytelling. As Tim and his faithful wandi journey through Country, young readers discover Yuwi language connected to animals, nature and everyday life, while learning about the importance of caring for and respecting Country.
Tim and the Dhugnany is more than a beautifully illustrated children’s story. It is a First Nations Yuwi language book created to introduce young readers to Yuwi language through storytelling, Country and everyday experience.
Children journey alongside Tim and his wandi (tame dingo) as they travel along the yalga (track), noticing the dhibila (birds), baga (trees), water and animals around them. When Tim hears a rustling in the scrub, his careful observation leads to the discovery of a dhugnany (goanna). Rather than presenting Yuwi words as a separate vocabulary exercise, the book places language within the story so children encounter each word in connection with what Tim sees, hears and experiences on Country.
Created with knowledge shared by Yuwi Elders, Tim and the Dhugnany provides children, families and educators with an accessible introduction to Yuwi language while reinforcing the connection between language, culture and Country. The book also includes a Yuwi language activity that encourages children to revisit words from the story and explore the language of the Traditional Owners of the Country where they live and learn.
Ideal for homes, early learning settings and primary classrooms, Tim and the Dhugnany supports children to engage with First Nations language not simply as words to memorise, but as living language connected to place, people and culture.
Preserving First Nations languages and culture through authentic storytelling, educational resources, and language-based learning books.
At Udya Walba, (come understand) our bookstore celebrates the strength, beauty, and survival of First Nations languages through culturally respectful books created to educate, inspire, and preserve knowledge for future generations. Our collection includes children’s stories, bilingual language books, cultural learning resources, and storytelling experiences that weave Aboriginal language naturally into each journey. The Udya Walba bookstore is more than a place to purchase books. It is a space dedicated to keeping living languages strong, supporting cultural learning, and honouring the knowledge shared by Elders, language custodians, and First Nations communities across Australia. Through story-based learning, readers connect with Country, culture, kinship, animals, and traditional knowledge while building familiarity with Aboriginal words and meanings. Our growing collection supports: — Schools and educators seeking culturally respectful learning resources — Families wanting children to engage with Aboriginal languages through storytelling — Communities passionate about language preservation and cultural continuity — Organisations building deeper understanding of First Nations culture and perspectives Many of our books introduce language in gentle, age-appropriate ways, allowing readers to learn naturally through story, repetition, imagery, and connection. The bookstore also supports sustainable publishing approaches, ensuring language resources remain accessible while respecting cultural knowledge and storytelling traditions. Udya Walba proudly supports the continuation of First Nations voices, stories, and languages by helping make culturally grounded educational resources available to learners, families, educators, and communities throughout Australia. Inspired by the growing movement to preserve and revitalise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, our bookstore contributes to the sharing of living knowledge through authentic storytelling and educational resources.
First Nation Yuwi Language Book
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