It Means I'm 6 foot 2, I'm Intellectual, I'm Bullet Proof.
ANDREW DENTON: You are a Kokoberra woman.
TANIA MAJOR: Yes.
ANDREW DENTON: Grew up in Kowanyama. What does being a Kokoberra woman mean?
TANIA MAJOR: A Kokoberra woman means I’m from Kowanyama in a right Aboriginal community, in Cape York.
ANDREW DENTON: Aha.
TANIA MAJOR: I’m from a particular tribal group. It means I’m six foot two, I’m intellectual, I’m bullet proof.
ANDREW DENTON: Mhm.
TANIA MAJOR: And it means, don’t mess with me Andrew Denton.
LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
TANIA MAJOR: Cos I can see on your head.
ANDREW DENTON: I’m not messing with you Tania.
LAUGHTER
- From Enough Rope 26 May 2008
This 26 year-old Young Australian of the Year 2007 is a complete inspiration. In respect to discussions of indigenous people in this country, I can (with relief) say I have never heard so much commonsense, honesty and intelligence come from anyone's mouth as it does from Tania's.
And shit she's funny. Watch the video, it's grand.
Hee Hee I like her style and she's gorgeous to boot! What a killer smile!
Posted by: Laelee | May 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM
does this woman's tribe have anything to do with, "kookaburra sits in the old gum tree" song?" asks the dumb & lazy american?
Posted by: coffeeyogurt | May 29, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Hey Laelee, She is gorgeous and tall with such an enigmatic face, you'd trust her anywhere eh?
Phd: "Dunno," answers the dumb and lazy australian. But the word "kokoberra" would suggest you are definitely onto something!
Aboriginal nations span the continent, and within each there are many different tribes. That's a whole lotta peoples with different totems, dreamtime stories and tribal name origins. I'd like to know more myself.
Posted by: Alison | May 29, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Im hoping Tania will come on board in being an advocate for a company Im working for called "The Replay Group"? It's an amazing program educating the Indigenous in child care & aged care. Could anyone suggest where I would send a DVD/information for her perusal?
Posted by: Simone | July 07, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Hi Simone, Have no contacts at this stage but why not contact the ABC re the Enough Rope program and see what happens from there? I suspect they'd be happy to help.
Posted by: Alison | July 08, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Just say you are trying to contact Tania re your program - they should have some leads.
Posted by: Alison | July 08, 2008 at 11:03 AM