Title: Wankarunta
Artist: CASM Choir (early 2000’s era)
Language Groups: Pitjantjatjara
Lyrics
(See sheet music)
Song Background
This wonderful arrangement of “Wankarunta” began during an annual CASM field trip to the APY Lands in the early 2000s. As recalled by Doug Petherick, former CASM lecturer, after several days of participating in Inma with Anangu elders, community members, and students, the group gathered in a dry creek bed in Indulkana. There, they began singing hymns together. One of these hymns was “Wankarunta”, led by Elders teaching at CASM.
The song was later recorded at the CASM studio on Finnis Street in North Adelaide. It became a cherished part of CASM’s musical life, frequently performed at events such as the Annual CASM Showcase, which brought together Anangu and Torres Strait Islander elders and CASM students.
As such, “Wankarunta” is a powerful healing song — particularly for elders and Anangu more broadly.
Bio
The CASM community choir was made up of students and staff at CASM, and was a respected part of the extra curriculum activities, filling the students with great pride when performing. The choir would perform at the CASM showcase performances, at wider community events, and drew attention from high profile festivals being invited to perform at WOMADelaide.