Counting our Country
By Jill Daniels
SHORTLISTED, 2020 SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS, BIRTH TO THREE YEARS
Counting our Country is a bilingual counting book from Jill Daniels, a Ritharrŋu and Madarrpa artist who lives in Ngukurr in South-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Jill’s paintings of animals found on her country celebrate her distinctive style and bold use of colour. Children will love counting the animals from 1 to 10 as they turn the pages.
Each double-page spread features the name of the animal in Ritharrŋu, Jill’s traditional language, and in English. A guide on ‘How to pronounce the Ritharrŋu animal names’ appears at the back of the book and encourages readers and young children to see if they can say them.
Counting our Country recognises the value of developing cultural literacy by introducing language and art in the early years.
It will be loved in homes and libraries throughout Australia.
Format: Board Book. Pages: 11.
Always Altogether
As people gather around waterholes, we drink from the country and exchange stories of the past. In this piece, the space between the waterholes gives meaning to an ever expansive land which many people will gather but may never have the chance to meet. Yet still, we are connected.
Beyond Love
This piece displays the power of family and growth as they gather at their individual nests. This connection, represented by the journey line that runs through the middle of the artwork is a reminder of all the families that mould you into who you are, and who you will become.
Breathe
Inspired by the hinterland that overlooks Yugambeh land, this piece soaks up the colours of earth and country. It depicts a land away from the city which is untouched, full of rolling hills and paths that lead nowhere.
Footprint
The scenery depicted in this piece is filled with intricate animal tracks which navigate through rock and nest formations. As the wildlife gather around this natural landscape and thrive off local waterholes, people witness the offerings to country.
Calm One
As water flows from one hole to another this simple piece inspires wisdom, power and grace and holds memory of all that came before us.
Other than the wraps which are 100% organic, all JINNDI clothing is 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex - this is to suit the functionality of the user and increase wearability for children. This is GOTS certified Organic Cotton. As lovers of the land, it was important to us that we opted to use fabrics grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on mother earth. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilisers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
At Jinndi we are inspired by the care our indigenous elders had for mother nature. That’s why we create items of clothing that make it just as easy for parents to show their kids - and their clothing - the same care. To keep your Jinndi item well protected, and ensure it can be passed on from one generation to the next, we recommend washing inside out by hand with cold water.
jinndi
Much like the Indigenous Australian elders passing on their stories through the generations, every item of Jinndi children’s clothing is made to be handed down to a loved one.
Featuring authentic prints that honour the custodians of the land who inspired them, Jinndi - meaning nest in the Yugambeh language - represents a home in nature, somewhere where you are safe and taken care of, and the raising of our young to create a sense of community and belonging.
