By Justin Flynn
Boon Wurrung elder Fay Stewart-Muir first started learning the language of her ancestors 20 years ago.
It’s not easy for an adult picking up a new language, but so adept was she, Ms Stewart-Muir has now taught countless young people the Boon Wurrung language.
Ms Stewart-Muir, from Thomson, was the recipient of an OAM this week for service to the Indigenous community.
“Our language was once spoken when we were kids and it’s important to teach our children to speak our language,” she said.
A translator of Boon Wurrung and Wemba Wemba languages, Koori Court Elder, mentor and language teacher for Koori prisoners, Ms Stewart-Muir is also a published author of four children’s books that welcome and introduce Indigenous and non-Indigenous children to important elements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“There weren’t any stories from Victoria,” she said.
“We wanted something that was very important for First Nations people.”
“I talk to the boys inside if they’ve got any problems that I can help them with,” Ms Stewart-Muir said of her work with Indigenous prisoners.
“Just seeing an elder coming in. We don’t ask about why they are in there.”
Ms Stewart-Muir said she had some reservations about accepting an honour from the monarchy, but said it was important to continue on a learning journey for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“It’s a two way thing,” she said.
“But then to be recognised for the work you have done for our people and teachers as well to be on that learning journey.”
Ms Stewart-Muir was added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2020.
