Ngaityu Muiyu Tantu
Ngaityu Muiyu Tantu (My Feelings Bag)
The Ngaityu Muiyu Tantu (My Feelings Bag) was designed by a team from all over Adelaide to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to read, sing and yarn with their little ones. 600 bags are being proudly distributed via Kalaya Children’s Centre, Taikurrendi Children’s Centre and other centres across Port Adelaide Enfield and Onkaparinga.
The project aims to use storytelling and language to:
- improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s emotional and social outcomes
- increase access to books and reading at home and
- help children to self-regulate their emotions when big feelings arise.
Each pack contains:
- A book written by a First Nations author and illustrator
- A book Ngaityu Muiyu (My Feelings) in Kaurna language
- Australian animal finger puppet
- Clapping sticks for singing songs and rhymes
- Deadly Parenting information from Parenting SA and Families Growing Together
- Links to websites and videos
- A bag designed by local artist Lawson Dodd
Developed by Kalaya Children’s Centre Staff and Management Committee, in collaboration with City of PAE Libraries and City of Onkaparinga Libraries. Funding was available through the Department for Education’s Local Government Early Childhood Community Innovation grants, administered by the Local Government Association of South Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who have children aged 3-5 years are welcome to visit a collection centre to pick up a bag for free.
Collect from any City of PAE Library, The Lights Community and Sports Centre, Kilburn and Enfield Community Centres, or LeFevre Community Stadium.
If you would like help to learn how to pronounce the words correctly in Kaurna, you can follow along with Amy from the City of PAE Libraries and Zoey from Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi as they read Ngaityu Muiyu (My Feelings) with you.
Kaurna language and sound files provided and endorsed by Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi.
This artwork was created by Lawson Dodd (Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri) and is a representation of the inclusive PAE and Onkaparinga communities (both indigenous and non-indigenous) coming together to support families with early childhood development, health and well-being. This artwork uses traditional First Nations symbology to help tell the story and themes of child development and learning.
The large circular shapes are traditional symbols for a gathering or meeting place. The layout of these shapes visualises the growth of knowledge within children. It begins at the bottom left and follows through to the bottom right as the circles get bigger. Some of these circles also branch out into various pathways illustrating that there is no definitive pathway for someone’s learning journey. The smaller surrounding arc-like shapes are the mentors and educators who engage with the children on their journey.
Each splash of colour depicts different feelings and emotions. When these overlap they create new emotions. The small arrow-like symbols are kangaroo tracks. Here they are used to show the Kaurna spirit ‘Tarnda’ watching over and guiding the child’s spiritual journey. The circular bursts of lines and small white dots also represent inspiration and spontaneity. Together these elements make up a story of education, support and growth for early learners.
On Thursday 11 May 2023, the Ngaityu Muiyu Tantu (My Feelings Bag) was launched at Kalaya Children's Centre by the Hon. Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training & Skills.
The City of PAE Libraries would like to thank the following suppliers and partners:
Local Government Association of South Australia