Peggy Griffiths-Madij, the queen of Miriwoong art in the east Kimberley and Katjarra Butler, the Pintupi woman, widow of the great Papunya Tula founder, Anatjari Tjakamarra and founder of the Tjuklurla painting community have both been named in the 2024 list of State Cultural Treasures by the ALP government in Western Australia.

They were honoured along with Dr Dorothy Erickson AM — an artist-jeweller, historian, author and curator, who has committed a lifetime of advocacy for WA’s unique landscapes, geology and flora; Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Lancaster AO — a pioneer of performance-led research and one of the world’s leading early keyboard specialists; Tony Jones OAM — an artist, sculptor and educator who has created some of Western Australia’s most iconic and beloved sculptures throughout his career; Ray Walker — one of Australia’s leading professional guitarists who has contributed enormously to the Western Australian jazz scene and beyond; Trevor Vickers — one of the most highly-regarded contemporary visual artists working in Australia and a master of his craft; Jenny Davis OAM — a writer, actor and director who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the Western Australian theatre landscape; and Peter Ghouse – an artist, musician, teacher, mentor and manager who has dedicated more than 50 years to the Western Australian music scene.

It’s an odd honour – unique in Australia – that first emerged in 1998 in tribute to the Japanese tradition of recognising National Living Treasures – which was indeed the original title in WA. But since 1998, the awards have only taken place erratically in 2004, 2015 and 2022! Could this have anything to do with State politics? The current mob is Labor.

1998 saw the great Queenie McKenzie honoured along with Noongar writer Jack Davis. 2004 recognised Butcher Cherel beside Bran Nue Dae creator, Jimmy Chi and memorialist, Doris Pilkington Garimara. In 2015, Peggy Griffiths’s late husband Alan was listed, as was dancer and cultural leader, Dr Richard Walley OAM. Last time, in 2022, Helicopter Tjungurrayi headed the Aboriginal artistic list beside writer Kim Scott and actor Ernie Dingo.

Peggy Griffiths’s citation includes the following: “In 1985, Peggy began working with Waringarri Arts, carving and painting gerdewoon/boab nuts, before trying her hand at ochre paintings and making limited-edition prints. As a custodian of Country, Peggy committed herself to her cultural responsibilities including painting and dances or Junba. She has been instrumental in sharing this knowledge with her five children, 27 grandchildren and the Miriwoong community. Peggy’s arts practice is a constant expression of her Country and Ngarranggarni/Dreaming”.

Katjarra Butler’s citation includes: “Katjarra began painting in the 1990s after her husband passed away, honouring his wishes to continue to record their Country and stories. Katjarra’s seniority and significant knowledge of Country and Tjukurrpa/Dreaming, means she is responsible for, and depicts, more than a dozen important sites. Over the course of her career, Katajarra has developed a distinctive style characterised by wide, luscious brushstrokes and broad fields of colour”.

Meanwhile, in less happy news from the West, Yindjibarndi elder and artist, Tootsie Daniel has died. She was a respected holder of Yindjibarndi cultural knowledge from the Millstream Tableland. Tootsie was born at Yarraloola Station near Pannawonica and grew up in Onslow, living at the Old Reserve and the Onslow Hostel.

Tootsie had lived in Roebourne, known as Ieramugadu by Traditional Owners, since 1970 and was a founding member of Juluwarlu Art Group. She was also a board member and broadcaster at Ngaarda Media, was involved in song, video and performance arts with Big hART, and held a graduate diploma in Aboriginal community development from Curtin University. Tootsie began painting 10 years ago as a means of healing after the death of her son, depicting Yindjibarndi stories, rivers, plants and seasons. Her work has been included in many Perth-based exhibitions. Tootsie was among those who created the Nyinyart Yinda Water Arts, Language and Cultural Futures Project. And Tootsie spoke out often about her concern for more than a million rock engravings at Murujuga on the Burrup peninsula, which fight for their survival beside major industry including Woodside’s Karratha Gas Plant, advocating for them gaining World Heritage protection, which the federal government has now brought to UNESCO for consideration.