Marlungku karla warrirni ngurraku: The kangaroo is looking for a home

Beautiful native Australian red Kanagroo bathes in the glorious afternoon sunlight

A kangaroo in the spinifex in the Central desert region. Source: iStockphoto / Getty Images

This telling of the Jukurrpa story about the kangaroo looking for a home, Marlungku karla warrirni ngurraku, was originally created at the Bilingual Resource Development Unit in Yuendumu in collaboration with PAW Media to support Warlpiri language learning for kids.


The kangaroo is looking for a home.

He said to the emu, ‘’Can I stay at your place?’’

The Emu said ‘’No go back.’’

The kangaroo said, ‘’Where shall I go to a warm place?’’

He went to the mountain devil and said "Can I sleep here?’’

The mountain devil said ‘’No, go back.’’

He went to the cat and said, ‘’ I want to sleep with you!’’

The cat said ‘’No, go back.’’

He went to the wallaby and said ‘’Can I sleep inside the cave?’’

Wallaby said ‘’No, go back’’

The kangaroo couldn't  find a place to stay so it went back to the spinifex plains and the mulga desert for good.


About Jukurrpa Stories
Jukurrpa Stories are produced at PAW Media, an Indigenous media organisation in the remote community of Yuendumu, NT. Stories are developed at the Billingual Resource Development Unit in Yuendumu, along with other Warlpiri language teaching resources.

Recording and Sound Design: Esau Japanangka Marshall
Story: BRDU
Special Translation: Theresa Napurrurla Ross
Podcast Tile Image: Mina Mina Jukurrpa (Mina Mina Dreaming), Jeanie Napangardi Lewis, Warlukurlangu Artists

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