Sr Tess Ward: A Legacy of Language, Love, and Learning
Sr Tess Ward’s remarkable journey in Wadeye has come to a close, but her legacy will endure for generations. For over four decades, Sr Tess has dedicated her life to preserving Indigenous language and culture while forging new paths in education. Her groundbreaking work in establishing a bilingual education program for the Murrinhpatha-speaking community is a testament to her passion for serving others.
Wadeye, one of the Northern Territory’s largest Indigenous communities, is home to eight clans who speak Murrinhpatha, a language critical to their identity. In 1978, Sr Tess responded to the community’s request for a bilingual education program, integrating Murrinhpatha into the curriculum and honouring the cultural heritage of the children. Her mission was not just about literacy but about ensuring the survival of the language and identity of the people she served.
A Pioneer of Bilingual Education
Sr Tess’s journey as an educator began in 1978 when she introduced Murrinhpatha as part of the school curriculum. Her vision was revolutionary—she understood that the future of education in Indigenous communities lay in preserving the children’s native language alongside their learning of English. This was the foundation of her pioneering bilingual program at Wadeye.
Her contribution extended beyond Murrinhpatha. Recognising the cultural and linguistic diversity in Wadeye, Sr Tess not only translated and published books in Murrinhpatha but also in the languages of other clans living in Wadeye, including Marri Tjevin, Marri Amu, Marii Ngarr, Magati Ke, Jaminjung, and Marrithiyel. This profound effort ensured that the voices of many different peoples were heard and preserved, demonstrating her deep respect for the rich diversity of the Thamarrurr region.
Jo, a longtime friend of Sr Tess, reflected on her work:
“Sister Tess, you will be dearly missed by so many in Wadeye. You leave a lasting legacy in the LPC, which you established alongside a team of dedicated local people in the late 70s. Your lifetime dedication to creating books in Murrinhpatha is remarkable and leaves the community with a body of Indigenous language literature that is without equal in Australia.”
Building Bridges Between Cultures
Sr Tess’s work in Wadeye was a labour of love. She attended numerous workshops across the country, from Darwin to Sydney, all aimed at improving her skills and enhancing her teaching methods. Her dedication went beyond the classroom—she was a fierce advocate for Aboriginal teacher training, recognising that the strength of the bilingual program lay in the empowerment of Indigenous educators.
Her contributions were not limited to the children of Wadeye. Sr Anne Gardiner, a fellow OLSH Sister, remembered Sr Tess’s work on Bathurst Island in the 1970s. Sr Anne recounted a defining moment in Sr Tess’s journey toward bilingual education: “You were teaching Year 2. The English lesson was on ‘Homonyms.’ You began by writing on the board … ‘here’… ‘hear.’ As your lesson progressed, a bright little Tiwi girl put her hand up and said, ‘Sister Tess, your language is silly, you spell the same word two ways.’” It was in that moment that Sr Tess recognised the importance of teaching Indigenous children in their own language.
From Megan, Bill, Leroy, and Patti:
“Dear Sr Namapen, well done on your advocacy for bilingual education over the past 40 odd years! Your legacy has contributed to keeping bilingual spaces open for teachers and children in Wadeye—a feat not easily achieved in Australian schools.”
Sr Tess’s influence extended far beyond the community, shaping language policy on a national level. Ailsa, who worked with Sr Tess, shared:
“You are a bilingual warrior, holding the ground and fighting not only for bilingual education but for the right to speak and use language everywhere. You contributed to the national policy and curriculum for languages and cultures. You have led the way in using digital technologies to upgrade the range of materials for teaching Murrinhpatha. Sr Tess, you have contributed significantly to bilingual education in the NT, Aboriginal language education nationally and internationally.”
A Legacy of Love and Learning
The fruits of Sr Tess’s efforts were evident by 2008, when many teachers at Wadeye were products of the bilingual education program she had established. Her pioneering work in language preservation continued with the Murrinhpatha Bible, an extraordinary achievement that allowed the community to read and engage with Scripture in their own language. John and Anna Young, who witnessed Sr Tess’s work firsthand, remarked:
“We would like to acknowledge the great contribution Sr Tess has made to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College and the whole Wadeye community. She is a giant in the preservation of language. Her work in supporting the most vulnerable members of the community is a true witness to the charism of the OLSH sisters.”
The legacy Sr Tess leaves behind is not just one of educational reform but one of cultural preservation. John Cowan, reflecting on his time with her, shared:
“I know that for you, and the community, there will be so many mixed feelings. The work you do, have done, throughout your time in Wadeye has been life-changing for so many. I am a better human because of our friendship and a better educator because of our time together.”
Continuing the Mission
In the words of Bishop Charles, Sr Tess’s legacy “will forever be felt in the hearts of those you’ve impacted.” As she steps back from her work in Wadeye, her contributions will continue to guide the community she has served for so many years.
The strength of her mission endures in every classroom, every lesson in Murrinhpatha and the other languages she worked to preserve, and every child who learns in the language of their ancestors. Sr Tess Ward’s dedication to love, education, and cultural respect has forever changed Wadeye, and her work will be remembered for generations to come.