Arabic version: العمة روث سيمز تطلق أول كتاب للأطفال في سن 84

Yuin elder and public educator Aunty Ruth Simms has published her first children’s book, titled *Muttonfish Magic*, at the age of 84. This milestone comes as she approaches almost five decades of service as an Aboriginal Education Officer with the New South Wales Department of Education. According to ABC News, Ms. Simms aims to pass on the stories of her culture to future generations.

The book recounts Ms. Simms’s experiences collecting mutton-fish, known today as abalone, from rocky shores in Sydney and at Orient Point. These stories reflect her childhood memories, as she recalls the joy of gathering food from nature despite the challenges faced by her family and community during her upbringing.

Ms. Simms emphasizes the importance of sharing her cultural heritage, stating that she hopes her book will help children learn about Aboriginal culture from its earliest days. She believes that preserving these narratives is crucial for future generations to understand their roots and history.

Next year, Aunty Ruth will celebrate 50 years working in public education. She attributes her long commitment to education to her parents, who instilled in her the value of cultural identity alongside academic achievement. The principal of North Nowra Public School, Peter Wright-Smith, praised Ms. Simms for her significant contributions to the school’s cultural education.

As the inaugural elder in residence at North Nowra Public School, Aunty Ruth continues to make strides in bridging cultural gaps and fostering respect among students and staff. Her book serves as a vital resource for truth-telling and cultural awareness in the school community.