Kunyi by Kunyi June Anne McInerney

For Aboriginal children born in outback Australia life was about family, living with the land and maintaining traditions and story. However as now well-known and documented, life for many of these children was cruelly stolen from them. Kunyi June Anne McInerney is one of those children born in 1950 and at the age of four taken with some of her siblings to the Oodnadatta Children’s home. Kunyi is her story, told in words and stunning artwork. The introduction by Kunyi gives a poignant summary of a part of her life which is expanded on throughout the following pages. From the very beginning of her journey, Kunyi gives the reader an honest account of the conditions in the Home, the despair suffered, the separation from family and the complete lack of understanding why the children had to be there in the first place with their family living just across the track. The journey is told through snapshots of memories with words and pictures. Daily life was full of work and rules but the children did find time together to have laughter and fun. There were the usual mischief makers amongst the children especially the older ones trying scare the younger ones with taunts about Mamu (bad spirits) but these children all became a family and looked out for each other. The treatment of the children was not kind and the sense of loss for Kunyi’s mother is evident. The missionaries did provide Sunday art which is where Kunyi . . .  “learned to draw and paint. I have been painting ever since.”

This very special book with a story that had to be told and shared, may at times both disturb and shame white Australian adult readers, but will fascinate younger readers who will have many thoughts and questions to ponder over. A wonderful addition to home, school and public libraries and a perfect resource for Reconciliation Week. An important historical record of a nation-wide injustice.

Themes: Aboriginal Culture & Life, Stolen Generation, Oodnadatta Children’s Home, Outback, Family.

Kathryn Beilby