Indigenous languages creative arts resident, Sachem Parkin-Owens shares insight into his research as he works on his creative language revitalisation and preservation project, project 'Utcha ine bibboon mare – I Dreamt of You'.
My research throughout this residency began by my family’s leads surrounding Archibald Meston, Warrajamba (The Mermaid) & the Jandai Language Dictionary (2011). From the outset, I understood that my exploration would not only be academic but also personal—rooted in connection, memory, and cultural continuity.
Archival Research and Discovery
Upon arriving at the State Library of Queensland for the residency induction, Uncle Des Crump had prepared a number of resources for the fellows to begin their journey. Among these resources was a small pamphlet titled *The Aborigines of Stradbroke Island* by F. S. Colliver and F. P. Woolston (1975). Though modest in appearance, the pamphlet contains a wealth of knowledge: accounts of early contact with “ticket of leave” convicts Pamphlett, Finnegan, and Parsons, as well as reflections on archaeology, social habits, communication, and language from the authors’ perspectives.
As I began reading, one particular phrase caught my attention—a translation of “I dreamt of you” written as *Utcha Ine biboon mare*. The moment I read those words, I felt an immediate and profound sense of recognition.
Personal Connection to Country
My relationship to the island has always been more spiritual than physical. I have spent many years away from home, returning only occasionally—more so now that I have my son. Yet even in absence, Minjerribah remains present in my dreams and in my work. The very beginning of my writing career was marked by my poem *My Ancestors*, a piece born from a dream—a translation of vision and memory into language.
To this day, I continue to dream of home. In those visions, I sometimes see my great-grandmother sitting by the creek at One Mile, collecting water, and I can picture the tin shed my grandmother often told me about. These recurring images remind me that connection to Country does not fade with distance—it moves through memory, language, and creative practice. This reflection also comes just 2 weeks before I am to move back home permanently with my young family.
You can read more about Sachem's project and the Indigenous languages Creative Arts Residency program here.
Induction Day 2 – Sachém reading State Library archival resources
Reflection and Guidance
Seeing the translation *Utcha Ine biboon mare* on the first day of my induction was a sign— that my ancestors and djara (country/land) were guiding the direction of my research, my final response, and ultimately, my presentation. It reaffirmed that this residency is not only a study of archives and historical records but also a continuation of our story—one that has been spoken, dreamt, and carried across generations.
References
Colliver, F. S., & Woolston, F. P. (1975). *The Aborigines of Stradbroke Island*. Brisbane, QLD: Royal Society of Queensland. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Meston, A. (1867–1960). *Archibald Meston papers* (OM64-17). John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.
Comments
Your email address will not be published.
We welcome relevant, respectful comments.