Trudy Inkamala

Trudy Inkamala was a loving nana, proud mother, gifted storyteller, soft sculptures and prints artist, inspiring educator, traditional healer, respected Western Arrernte Elder and traditional landowner of country from Stanley Chasm to Glen Helen Station, in Central Australia. Trudy was also a great friend of HAR founder, Margaret James.

These ‘2 Nanas’, as they referred to themselves, yarned, went out bush looking for bushtucker and bush medicines, and worked together from the early beginnings of the HARs. Trudy went hunting for bush tucker frequently and liked to take young people with her to teach them the traditional ways of finding food.

Both shared a passion for teaching young children print literacy and Trudy was particularly keen to pass on her language, history and ancient culture to the next generations through her gift for animated storytelling, her knowledge of several traditional languages, and her love and knowledge of the environment. Trudy shared her traditional stories with Margaret James and the Honey Ant Readers so that they could be used to help Aboriginal children across Australia to learn to read. Trudy hoped that the HARs would also help to preserve some of her stories for future generations.

Working with Trudy’s family, we have exciting plans for new publications of Trudy’s stories in 2026.  Sadly, Trudy passed away in September 2023, and is badly missed by everyone, as a friend and mentor. RIP.