Perth Voice Interactive

NYUNGAR elder and educator Doolann-Leisha Eatts has been inducted into the WA women’s hall of fame.

Born at Badjaling in the eastern wheatbelt Ms Eatts has lived in Perth’s northern suburbs for 32 years.

Along with hosting welcome-to-country ceremonies and advice on acknowledging Nyungah land, she’s helped with the cultural trail through Hyde Park and Smith’s Lake, telling indigenous stories about the areas.

In 2010 she was awarded $1000 by Vincent council to help her publish her autobiography.

“My people used to do a lot of hunting and gathering all around this area and my grandma told me it was full of lakes and streams and wildlife and plenty of food, plenty of bush medicine as well,” Ms Eatts said at the time.

“My grandmother told me those stories, and that’s what urged me to write my book.”

In 2012, Ms Eatts lambasted Stirling city council for raising the Aboriginal flag only during NAIDOC and reconciliation weeks.

“Flying the Aboriginal flag all year round would be a good start and pave the way for better relations between the Aboriginal community and Stirling shire,” she’d said.

It was only in November 2010 that the council voted to permit the Aboriginal flag to fly at all.

Neighbouring Vincent flies the Aboriginal flag every day.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK