happy to be me - PROTOCOL & SUPPORT
happy to be me CD
A 2 year consultation process resulted in the following Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Councils, Aboriginal Corporations, Land Councils, Elders and respected community representatives giving their advice, their blessing and written approval to include the name of their language and advise on the inclusion of language words in the songs appearing on happy to be me.
- Gerard Reserve Council (SA)
- Kunballanjnja Council (NT)
- Wonnarua Nation and the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council (NSW)
- Muurrbay Language Centre (NSW)
- Warlpiri-Patu-Kurlangu Jaru (NT)
- The Gooniyandi Executive (WA)
- Terry Coulthard (Adnyamathanha mob) (SA)
- Moree, Toomelah and Narrabri Aboriginal Land Councils (NSW)
- Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation (WA)
- Kalkarinji Community Council (NT);
- Ian Delaney - Native Title Applicant (Jandai mob), (Q’land)
- Mike Ross - Olkola mob (Q’land)
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAS)
- Yamaji Language Centre (WA)
- Shared Vision Bundjalung Elders Council (NSW)
- Marngarr Council (NT)Koethil Mayl Torres Strait Islander Women’s Group
- Pitantjatjara Yangkunytjatjara Land Council (SA)
- Wiradjuri Elders and respected community representatives
- NSW Aboriginal Early Childhood Support Services Unit
- Aboriginal Programs Unit at NSW Dept of Education and Training
- Aboriginal Curriculum Unit at the Office of the Board of Studies, NSW DET
- NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
- NSW Aboriginal Land Council
- Koethil Mayl Torres Strait Islander Womens Group, Sydney
Music Credits:
All lyrics by Wendy Notley
Kangaroo Rock - Taleena Simon/Wendy Notley
Hey, Hey, Hey - Granny Mooki/grand/great grandchildren & Wendy Notley (adapted/extended lyrics)
Independently produced by Wendy Notley
The Band: Wendy Notley - vocals/guitar; Nardi Simpson - harmony/keyboard; David Roberts – bass; Ashley Donovan - drums
The Kids: Nayden Simon; Taleena Simon; Rick Golding; Bre-arna Freeman; Jay-lara Freeman; Shanice Vincent and Tyrrell Freeman-Mafi - vocals
Featuring: Syrenne Anu and Kuiam Anu - vocals - 1,2,3,4,5 and Hey, Hey Hey Isabella Tunis-Notley; Heba Alameddine and Laielle Alameddine - vocals - Hey, Hey Hey
Special Appearances: Mark Atkins - didge; Walangari Karntawarre - breath/vocal percussion; Greg Sheehan - percussion; Monkey Mark - programming/arrangement - Hey, Hey, Hey; Mic Conway – ukulele; Helen Anu - bamboo drum; Donna Ross - tambourine (tracks 4 &16); Isabella Tunis-Notley and Kuiam Anu - beat box
happy to be me – TEACHER RESOURCE BOOK & PICTURE BOOK SET (8 titles)
Protocol was followed in compiling and including cultural information in the text of the happy to be me- Teacher Resource Book. Consultation with Aboriginal and TSI education and community based groups, Aboriginal educators and Elders was undertaken over a 18 month period regarding the inclusion of cultural information in the text.
The text in the Teacher Resource Book was reviewed and is supported by:
- NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Sector Advisory Group
- NSW Aboriginal Early Childhood Support Services Unit
- Aboriginal Programs Unit at NSW Dept of Education and Training
- Aboriginal Curriculum Unit at the Office of the Board of Studies, NSW DET
- NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
- NSW Aboriginal Land Council
- Koethil Mayl Torres Strait Islander Womens Group, Sydney
happy to be me - COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Wendy was first introduced to ATSIECSAG when she worked at Murawina Child Care Centre in Redfern as a teacher of young children. A professional relationship was established and quickly grew stronger during the production of Wendy’s well-recognized CD, Growin’ Up Strong and accompanying resource materials.
Wendy, or Aunty Wendy as she is known, is respected throughout NSW communities for her understanding of Aboriginal culture and the sensitive approach she uses in all of her community consultations.
The NSW ATSIECSAG would like to congratulate Wendy on the production of her latest CD, happy to be me' and looks forward to sharing experiences in the future with children who have had the opportunity to engage in such great, educational entertainment. The NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Childhood Sector Advisory Group Inc
I had the songs checked for me by some Aboriginal children and their parents. The children loved the songs so much I had trouble getting them back. This tells me that the songs are an unreserved success. The lyrics are very reflective of contemporary Aboriginal people and contain situations with which Aboriginal people in diverse living conditions can identify with.
The Aboriginal Programs Unit at the NSW Department of Education and Training is most happy to support Happy To Be Me and we believe that it will benefit not only Indigenous children but non-Indigenous children as well. Lyn Riley-Mundine, Aboriginal Programs Unit - NSW Dept of Education and Training
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc (NSW AECG) fully supports the efforts of the Aunty Wendy's Mob, 'happy to be me' CD and Resource Book. They are fun, interactive, educational and performance based, targeting early education for Aboriginal children. The AECG has always maintained that early intervention is critical for the education and life chances of Aboriginal students. It is reflected in the songs featured on the 'happy to be me' CD. The songs have an Aboriginal perspective and portray experiences that all children can relate to.
The Aunty Wendy's Mo CD's and Resource Books are an excellent tool, as they not only improve the school readiness of the children but the resources also empower their parents and carers who participate in the activities. These resources can make a real contribution to the capacity of the community. Moreover, many of the parents and carers who use the Aunty Wendy's Mob CD and Resource Book are given the confidence to go on to further their children's educational outcomes, thus building up the capacity of the community to become involved within the early years of schooling. The Aunty Wendy's Mob CD and Resource Book are achieving real outcomes for young Aboriginal children entering school, and at the same time, making a real contribution to empowering the children. Dave Ella, President - NSW AECG
The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council sincerely supports the work you are doing and hopefully 'happy to be me' will become another asset to benefit our Indigenous communities.
MLALC is pleased to support and endorse the use of the term, 'Aunty Wendy' as Wendy has been known over the years and 'Aunty Wendy's Mob' as the band's performance name. We feel it's appropriate to use this term for the purpose of creating children's songs and music that teach children about Aboriginal languages. The Council is delighted that Wendy takes seriously Aboriginal spirituality, culture and languages and many of our members appreciate Wendy's work. Rob Welch, Chairperson - Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council