Roy shares his connection with Ngiyampaa Country .

Roy Kennedy at the book launch with Jade Auldist from Riverina Local Land Services, former Booligal Public School student Bella Maloney who was involved in the production of the book, former Booligal Public School principal and project partner, Lindy Stewart and members of his family - Shane and Sharon Kennedy, Mark Brettschneider and Jacquie Kennedy. Photo: Margie McClelland

To follow on from their native garden project, Booligal Public School has been exploring Aboriginal culture and the country that connects to the students and their homes; Ngiyampaa Country.

Uncle Roy Kennedy is a Ngiyampaa Elder, and has been working with the students who were eager to learn about his experiences in traditional history and culture.

“Roy had so much to share, we soon realised one book wasn't going to be enough,” said Project Partner, Jade Auldist from Riverina Local Land Services.

“We decided to make two books: ‘Ngiyampaa Country’ and ‘Uncle Roy, a Ngiyampaa Man’.

“Booligal Public School students spent many super Fridays with me at the Local Land Services office writing, drawing, painting and colouring towards these wonderful books.

“Roy, thank you for sharing your journey of life, love, family, and culture.

“You are always kind, courteous and generous with your time.

“Thanks to you, the students of Booligal, Hay Public and St Mary’s Schools have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. You are a wonderful role model for our community.”

Ngiyampaa means law or word (ngiya) and world of words (paa).

“It is how we identify ourselves as to who we are in the world, our creative power, our law, our people, language, homelands, our lore, culture, songs, art, music, environment, spirituality; everything,” Uncle Roy said.

Ngiyampaa Country explores the use of grindstones and message sticks and the stories behind the smoking ceremony, didgeridoo, clapsticks and gum leaves as a musical instrument.

The books are affectionately dedicated to the late Beryl Kennedy, the love of Roy’s life.