Kanakiya Myra Ah Chee was born in Oodnadatta, South Australia, in 1932. After her mother’s tragic death when Myra was just eight, her father took the family north, leaving behind their childhood home. They became nomads, traveling with camels along the Finke River, as her father sought work and cared for his children. He instilled in them knowledge of the bush, their culture, and life itself. Myra's childhood was a mix of freedom, bush tucker, games, fires, and stories under the stars—sometimes idyllic, yet also filled with fear and tragedy. Her father was a comforting presence, but when he prioritized education for his children, Myra's life took a significant turn. She reflects on the importance of her life stories, believing that even the smallest details hold significance. The memories of Oodnadatta Country remain vivid in her mind, a stony land that still calls to her spirit. It is a place she cherishes deeply, as it is tied to her identity and roots.
