Meet Rochelle Pitt: Singing Meriam Mir for the Next Generation
Rochelle Pitt, an Ilan Style Fellowship recipient, has chosen to sing in language as part of her commitment to the revitalisation of Meriam Mir, the language of the Eastern Torres Strait.
Meriam Mir Omaskir (Children's) Songs
Meriam Mir Omaskir (Children's) Songs is an album of ten songs, one for each of the ten books in our Meriam Mir children's book set, from Mer's Rock Traps to Crayfish Tales in the Torres Dance. Rochelle composed and sings the songs, with lyrics and stories by Professor Kerry Arabena, founder of Ilan Style, and artwork by Irene Lehmann. Rochelle describes it as a language repatriation project, made with support from Elder Adimabo Noah and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
Songs for children to learn by
Rochelle has sung the Omaskir songs for children at Goodstart Early Learning centres, so that they might learn some Meriam Mir words. Each song brings its book's words and phrases to life, at home and in the classroom.
Listen for free
All ten songs are together, free to listen to, on our Meriam Mir Songs page, and on Spotify. Pronunciation videos with Elder Adimabo Noah and free printable guides for every book are on our Meriam Mir Learning Resources page.
About Rochelle
Rochelle (Jungalungin) Pitt is a Quandamooka, Erubam Meriam, Birri Gubba, Kokoberra and PittaPitta Song Woman. A registered nurse with more than 31 years of experience, she works as a Nurse Navigator with Metro South Health and as a casual academic at the Queensland University of Technology, and holds a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership from Monash University. In her words, her purpose is 'to elevate First Nations voices, strengthen culturally safe care, and support my community and family through leadership, advocacy, and cultural practice.'
About the Ilan Style Fellowship
A portion of the profit from our Native Botanics range supports the revitalisation of the languages and stories of the Torres Strait. Read more stories from the Ilan Style Fellowship, including Jessie Lloyd's work with Meriam Songwoman Margaret 'Nayama' Gabey.
