Tjuninanta was my grandfather's homeland [northeast of Docker River]. My grandfather moved back to Docker River first, then we followed from Utju. My grandfather used to work out there. Tjuninanta was first outstation, second to Docker River. They moved out from Docker River settlement in 1975. First they make a humpy to live in humpy waiting for house to be built. They lived there, my grandfather and my uncle and my mother. This was when I was young. I was living in Docker River. I had only one daughter. I used to come around to visit them all the time, while they were waiting for housing, a truck bring everything, rations for them. They book it up at Town Shop and they bring it round while they waiting for new house. I always visit on weekend, see how they were getting on. Sometime I ask Toyota to take me there too, only sometime. Sometimes we come round to camp with kangaroo tails, only for days then go back. They were happy when they heard about new building and four weeks time they shipped it and they left the humpy place and moved into proper house. Only few of them Later I was my mother’s father’s carer. We lived together at Tjuninanta Homeland when Docker River new settlement. We got big tap – good wash – make him clean. Get new blankets, mattress. Put him in the bed, might fall down. Put him on the mattress on the ground – no fall then. I sleep on the bed next to him and make a fire for him – keep it going.
I used to get money for being carer. I used to get new everything for him – tucker box, shirt, shorts, winter coat, everything he need. Docker River transport always bring them up – put them in the canteen. When he get sick I take him to hospital. Yeah.
And he was with me, and he died in my lap [cradles her arms], and my grandfather, I been cry – grandfather in front of me. I been stayed there for longer. I had a funeral there. My grandfather back home now... everywhere. He’s home with all his family.
I used to go every Sunday to his grave. It’s beautiful. They all beautiful. That graveyard Docker River – is good one. All the family, grandchildren, great grandchildren come too. We all go, flowers for the grave for my grandfather.
And he was Christian man, my grandfather. Missionaries taught him and he chose Tjukurpa and Bible together. When Pastor Leo was there at Docker River Church... Pastor Leo was alive then. I’m only visit now – Docker graveyard nice and good – all the names there – flowers everywhere – tap there so clean him. Make him nice.
Uwa! Payla!