Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons.
Thipe-akerte means about birds in Arrernte. It speaks to the knowledge, stories and relationships held with thipe across Country.
This body of work comes from the late Theresa Ryder, an Eastern Arrernte artist, writer, educator and cultural leader from Ltyentye Apurte. Her work reflects a lifetime of learning on Country, grounded in language, family and cultural practice. She was widely recognised for her watercolour paintings of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, and equally for her commitment to teaching Arrernte language and ensuring knowledge is carried forward by younger generations.
Ayeye Thipe-akerte: Arrernte stories about birds brings together these two parts of her life’s work. Through this collection, birds are shared as more than species. They are part of story, part of daily life, and part of the systems of knowledge that guide how people live with Country. Theresa’s paintings and words sit alongside works by her family, continuing this practice across generations.
Before her passing in 2023, Theresa shared her wish for this work to be seen and used. Her family continues this through Thipe-akerte, carrying forward her vision for strong language, strong culture and learning grounded in both.
These resources support learning through Arrernte language, cultural knowledge and visual storytelling. They can be used in classrooms, in community or at home.
A set of Eastern and Central Arrernte flashcards sharing 31 birds from Central Australia. These cards support language learning while sharing stories about birds in the bush and their place within Country.
Written by Theresa Ryder and published by Batchelor Press, this book shares Arrernte stories about birds drawn from her life growing up on Country. It reflects deep knowledge of birds as part of everyday life, including their roles as messengers and as food.
This film offers a way to learn directly through language and story. Theresa Ryder reads Ayeye thipe-akerte in Arrernte, with her voice paired alongside the paintings created for each bird. Her daughter Marie Ryder shares reflections on her mother’s vision and the knowledge she passed on.
These items carry Theresa Ryder’s artwork into everyday spaces, supporting continued connection to her work and the stories it holds.
A cotton tea towel featuring eight of Theresa Ryder’s watercolour works, celebrating the beauty of thipe and drawn from her original book illustrations.
A selection of large watercolour greeting cards featuring bird artworks and stories from the bush. Each bundle includes five cards with envelopes.
