Artwork

About the Artist

Tootsie Daniel, Yindjibarndi Elder

2 October 1953 – 20 November 2024

Tootsie Daniel was born at Yarraloola, on the Robe River east of Onslow. Her traditional Yindjibarndi Country is inland from Roebourne. After finishing school in Onslow, she moved to Roebourne, where she met her late husband, Ngarluma man David Daniel. Together, they raised a large family and were deeply involved in community life.
Tootsie was a dedicated and outspoken advocate for her people. She actively worked on initiatives that brought positive change to Roebourne, using media and public forums to raise awareness of cultural and social issues. Known as a trailblazer – and the Queen of Roebourne! – she was always clear about what was needed and how others could contribute.

Her media work included roles in documentaries and short films, including a humorous community parody video about COVID-19 set to the tune of “My Sharona.” She participated in multiple AAA conferences over the last 15 years, including a memorable co-presentation in 2008 at Noosa with Ngarluma woman Robyn Churnside. More recently she led an ad hoc session on appropriate consultation/collaboration with community in rock art research.

Tootsie was passionate about preserving and promoting the cultural significance of Murujuga (Dampier Archipelago). Her advocacy extended to the arts, where her creative expression on canvas and in film reflected her deep connection to Country and her people.

As Circle of Elders member of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, she played a key role in guiding the World Heritage Nomination for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. For the people of the west Pilbara, the Dreaming—known as Ngurra Nyujunggamui—marks the time when the world was soft and the Marrga creation spirits, along with the sky god Minkala, named and shaped the land, forming its hills and rivers.

Tootsie’s painting, released with the permission of her family, is entitled “When the World was Soft”.