Elder Iris Forfoot shares a poignant narrative of her family's resilience and unity in the face of hardship on Palm Island. Her parents, Norman and Audrey, came from diverse backgrounds and met in 1935. Iris recalls her father’s ingenuity and determination to provide for his family. "My dad built a boat," she reminisces, highlighting his resourcefulness in crafting a vessel from scrap wood, naming it Ivy May after her sisters. This boat was essential as it enabled her parents to row to Possum Island each month, hunting for turtle and gathering fish to feed the family.
Iris fondly remembers the joy of waiting on the beach for their return, "We'd all wait on the beach getting happy 'cause we had food." Her father’s culinary skills transformed their catches into meals, shared among the community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. However, challenges arose when the canteen opened, leading her parents into the trap of alcohol. Despite these struggles, Iris’s parents prioritized education, sending their children to a school in South Townsville.
Reflecting on the past, Iris often wonders, "How did they get to make a boat and to make those paddles?" Her story is a testament to the resilience and creativity that defined her family’s life on Palm Island, illustrating the deep connections and enduring spirit that bound them together.
Iris
Palm Island, Queensland, Australia
Iris, a resilient cultural keeper, weaves profound narratives that celebrate her family's enduring spirit and connection to their homeland. Born to parents united in the late 1930s amid the vibrant backdrop of Maribo, Chileo, and raised amid the rich traditions of Bowan, Iris embodies the resilience of her lineage. Her stories come alive with vivid memories of her father's resourcefulness, building a boat named "Ivy May" to provide sustenance for his family. Iris captures the essence of community and survival, recounting nights spent on Possum Island hunting turtle, each tale a testament to her heritage's strength and adaptability.
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