Gija Trees and Grasses, a major new work by senior Gija artist and cultural leader Birrmarriya Shirley Purdie created in collaboration with linguist, artist and gardener Frances Kofod, guides readers into the plants, language and cultural knowledge that have long sustained Gija people and Country.
The book has already earned high praise from cultural leaders, knowledge holders and field experts.
Professor John Carty, Professor of Museum and Curatorial Studies at Adelaide University, describes the work as, "a joyful thing ... a lifelong endeavour translated here into a rich and intimate book", adding that Purdie's paintings and stories, "flower across the pages like a love letter to Purdie's Country".
At its heart, Gija Trees and Grasses is a profound act of cultural continuity. Purdie's intricate cataloguing of Gija flora began as a means of teaching her family and community, "so they will know about the trees and grasses and everything".
Throughout the book, Gija language holds prime place, reflecting her intention: "I made them to remind everyone after I have left them."
A substantial hardcover volume, the book features 72 paintings, now in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, with text in Gija and English, stories and a parallel scientific guide containing botanical descriptions and Gija plant names.
The text also details the traditional properties and uses of plants, including food, medicine and object‑making techniques, revealing the deep practical knowledge embedded in Gija Country.
Audio recordings by Purdie in Gija provide access to aural history for Traditional Owners and future generations. These recordings are available on the MCA's website.
The project was made possible through the support of the Gelganyem Group, who represent the Traditional Owners in the East Kimberley. Gelganyem's work includes integrating traditional ecological knowledge into the rehabilitation of the Argyle diamond mine.
Their support underscores the authority and cultural leadership Purdie already brings to this publication.
This book offers a rare opportunity to see Country through the knowledge and artistry of a respected Gija cultural leader.
It's a thoughtful gift for anyone embracing a tree change, for plant enthusiasts looking to bring more native species into their garden, or for readers seeking a deeper connection to the stories held in the land.
Published by Aboriginal Studies Press, Gija Trees and Grasses will be released on 1st April 2026.
