Pirlangimpi, NT

My name is Catherine Stassi, I’m from Pirlangimpi, Tiwi Islands. My skin group is Skin Group is Lorrulla (stone) and country is Malawu

I have worked in health services for over 30 years, in community support roles, including alcohol and other drugs, mental health and family support. I am a qualified interpreter in Tiwi language. I have has worked in research since 2017 and been a co-lead of the Ngawurramangajirri (we care for each other) project since 2018. This project is at the forefront in the collaborative development of Tiwi language resources for wellbeing.

I have been working with Menzies and others from my community to create resources for mental health and wellbeing in Tiwi language to help all Tiwi people, young and old.

In 2024, the Ngawurramangajirri research group collaboratively developed their mission statement, which is “to support people to come together, to heal on country and learn old ways and new ways. We share and learn our Tiwi language and culture. We promote respect, communication, and encourage people to check in with how they are feeling”

Why do I do research?

Research is about helping community by promoting health and wellbeing. This is mainly for young people and old people, passing on a record our knowledge for the younger generation. Research is a way of maintaining Tiwi knowledge and promoting respect for cultural protocols. It is about keeping the story private, confidential, and knowing some you can tell and some you can’t. Its about knowing what is necessary to share (e.g. when someone is at risk of harm, helping them to get to support) as well as maintaining and respecting cultural and professional boundaries

My understanding is that working ethically in research is about:

  • Honesty – giving people the right story, helping them to understand
  • Fairness – give and offer people opportunities equally
  • Respect/ Understanding – giving people choices, listening
  • Diversity – Seeking to include many voices and voices that sometimes don’t get heard

Availabiilty: 

I am available as a consultant for project involving the Tiwi Islands and I am happy to travel for work. I am skilled at interpreting, project planning, consultation and data collection. If you are interested in working with me, you can contact me via email – catherinestassi95@gmail.com.

Research projects:

Language Resources: 

Publications:

Media

Presentations (that my research has contributed to):

  • Povey, J, Stassi, S, Munkara, M, Kurrupuwu, A & Kurrupuwu, FX. 2024. Wunijaka Meditation Story: Ngawurrmangajirri. Celebrating our Strengths, Stay Strong Mental Health Seminar, Oct 2024.
  • Povey, J, Stassi, S, Munkara, M, Kurrupuwu, A & Kurrupuwu, FX. Developing mental health supports in Tiwi Language: The Ngawurrmangajirri story, presented 10th Dec 2024, Indigenous Allied Health Australia Conference, Adeliade SA.
  • Povey, J, Vigona, J & Puruntatameri, AM, 2021. The Ngawurramangajirri (we care for each other) Project. Presented 12th May at the First Nations Languages & Health Communication Symposium, Darwin NT.