Tiwi War Kwampini, Footprints in the Sand – Commemorating Tiwi Contribution to WWII
Tiwi War Kwampini, Footprints in the Sand – Commemorating Tiwi Contribution to WWII
Tiwi War Kwampini: Mwarlapwara Kangi Tingati (Tiwi War Hero: Footprints in the Sand) is a powerful bilingual children's picture book by Tiwi woman Mavis Kerinaiua, written, translated and illustrated with support from Laura Rademaker.
The book tells the true story of Mavis's grandfather, Louie Purraputimali Munkara, and the important role Tiwi people played in protecting Country and northern Australia during World War II.
Before the Japanese bombing of Darwin, Japanese forces attacked Tiwi Country. Louie and other Tiwi people helped patrol the coastline, protect their communities, assist survivors and respond to events connected with the defence of northern Australia.
Through her grandfather's story, Mavis Kerinaiua shares a part of Australian wartime history that is not widely known outside the Tiwi Islands. The story celebrates Tiwi leadership, courage, community, connection to Country and the importance of passing knowledge and history to younger generations.
Told in both Tiwi language and English, this beautifully illustrated First Nations picture book showcases the lands, language and people of the Tiwi Islands while preserving an important family and community story.
Why You'll Love It
A true story of Tiwi history: Learn about Louie Purraputimali Munkara and the role of Tiwi people during World War II.
First Nations truth-telling: Brings an important Tiwi perspective to Australian wartime history.
Bilingual storytelling: Presented in both Tiwi and English, supporting an appreciation of Tiwi language and culture.
Created by a Tiwi author and artist: Mavis Kerinaiua shares her grandfather's story through her own family and cultural connection.
Celebrates connection to Country: Explores the importance of caring for Country, community and following the knowledge of ancestors.
Introduces Australian history: Provides children with an opportunity to learn about the bombing of Darwin, Nguiu Mission and the defence of Australia's northern coastline.
Beautifully illustrated: The artwork brings the landscapes, waterways, skies and places of the Tiwi Islands into the story.
A meaningful classroom resource: Supports learning about First Nations histories, Australian history, World War II, language and culture.
Great for older children: Created for readers aged 7 and over.
A story of courage and community: Highlights collective action, leadership, bravery and looking after people and Country.
Book Details
Author: Mavis Kerinaiua
Translator: Mavis Kerinaiua
Illustrator: Mavis Kerinaiua
With support from: Laura Rademaker
Publisher: Indigenous Literacy Foundation
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781922592712
Age: 7+
Languages: Tiwi and English
Published: 2026
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Subject: Tiwi history and World War II