Aunty Beth Wright (Elizabeth Wright)…

Wayilwan knowledge holder & Warraan Widji Arts’ cultural advisor & teacher…

Aunty Beth is from the Wayilwan Nation (Warren) and the Gamilaraay Nation (Walget). Aunty Beth has been instrumental in reawakening the Wayilwan language, her father’s Language, in Warren. She has a deep understanding of linguistics in relation to Aboriginal languages.

Aunty Beth spent hundreds of hours listening to recordings of Wayilwan Elders housed in the sound archives of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) in Canberra. Aunty Beth did this to ensure Wayilwan language can be used by future generations and for the empowerment of our local Aboriginal community.

Aunty Beth grew up on Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay Country. Aunty Beth learned and taught the Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay languages when she was living on Country. Aunty Beth and her family moved to Dubbo, Wiradjuri Country, and has lived there for many years. She waited for permission to learn the Wiradjuri language and to be able to teach it. Her dreaming is teaching and sharing knowledge about languages and culture, including bush foods and medicines.

Aunty Beth’s parents Jenny Wright (nee Simpson) and Peter Wright were instrumental in teaching her about her culture. Ronald (Tiger) Cochrane, her father-in-law, shared his knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal bush foods and medicines, Aboriginal astronomy and messages animal’s bring.

Aunty Beth imparts knowledge powerfully to young people and adults to awaken and strengthen our language, culture and identity. Aunty Beth has high level cultural competencies. She ensures the cultural safety of local communities through listening to community and following their lead.  She has been provided permission by the local Warren community to teach Wayilwan language in Warren. 

Aunty Beth teaches 7 Aboriginal languages. Aunty Beth and Uncle John have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren. Aunty Beth has the ability to quickly build trust and a positive rapport with young people, an essential skill when working with youth.