Yarning Strong Jindah Murray, Wind Dancer

Warning to First Nations Peoples: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that the contents in Yarning Strong may include names and images of people now deceased.

Jindah has always wanted to dance, but her family can’t afford dance lessons. So when a dance teacher begins classes at her school, Jindah puts her heart into learning. She choreographs her own dance routine for a project on identity and, learning from her father, focuses on the family totem of wind. Her performance is a great success, and she realises that dance is her true voice. The story then jumps to the final year of high school, with Jindah planning to audition for NAISDA. The narrator implies that Jindah will succeed and will dance for many audiences, telling the stories of her people.

Jindah Murray, Wind Dancer is part of the Yarning Strong series, a vibrant and purposeful series of novels and anthologies by First Nations authors, created to inspire Years 3–6 students while supporting meaningful classroom learning. Rich in story, voice and perspective, each text offers teachers and students authentic opportunities to explore First Nations cultures and experiences through high‑quality literature.

Themes: Hard work and determination • Discovery of self • Value of family