RAWA COMMUNITY SCHOOL HISTORY

From 1947, many Martu people from the Western Desert were relocated to the Jigalong Mission, first established as a depot for maintaining the Rabbit-Proof Fence. Living side by side at Jigalong brought together people from nine language groups, including Manyjillyjarra and Warnman, which led to the emergence of Martu Wangka, a shared language that became a vital means of communication and is now the dominant first language of Rawa students.

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Despite the upheaval of mission life, Martu people maintained their deep bond with Country. In the 1980s, elders such as Muuki Taylor led a powerful homelands movement, inspiring families to return—not to towns—but back to their traditional lands. Communities were re-established at Punmu, Parnngurr, and Kunawarritji (Well 33), reaffirming Martu identity and connection to Country. Punmu was permanently resettled in December 1981, and by February 1983 a school had opened with the support of Strelley School. Originally named Panaka-Panaka, it was renamed Punmu School in 1984. In Kunawarritji, a school was established in 1993.

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This return home was not only physical but also cultural, enabling the restoration of language, law, and stories connected to ngurra (homelands) and kalyu (sacred waters). The significance of this return was recognised formally in 2002, when Martu people were granted one of the largest Native Title determinations in Australian history, affirming their ongoing connection to nearly 136,000 square kilometres of land in the Western Desert. Today, Martu elders, families, and young people—including the children and grandchildren of leaders like Muuki Taylor—continue to ensure that culture, language, and learning remain strong at Rawa Community School. Alongside Martu Wangka, Martu English and neighbouring First Nations languages are often spoken, making Rawa Community School a rich multilingual environment where students also learn English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D).