Daisy Ward

Elder-in-residence

Daisy Helen Tjupantarri Ward was born in the Sherwin reserve in 1959, near a significant and special dreaming site, Lirrun.

Daisy is a senior Elder, artist, linguist, social activist, educator, advocate, consultant, peacemaker, leader and valued member of the Warakurna Community, and the broader Ngaanyatjarra Lands. She has worked in the areas of education, training and advocacy for domestic violence abuse sufferers and cultural facilitation at nearby communities such as Warburton, Tjukurla, Jameson, Blackstone and Warakurna since 1982.

In 2001-2002 she took on a role with the NPY Womens' Council to speak out against domestic violence and to raise awareness for sufferers. In 2003 she moved to Warakurna community permanently to take on a role with the Warakurna School as Community Liaison Officer; promoting positive cultural exchange and understanding between two worlds; the Ngaanyatjarra way and the white western education system. In between her role at school, Daisy also finds time to paint, and is a treasured artist at Warakurna Artists, painting specific Tjukurrpa stories of her country, Lirrun and the Snake People.