IN LOVING MEMORY OF JARDA TOOTSIE DANIEL
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following program may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
BY TANGIORA HINAKI
A beautiful ceremony was held for Jarda Daniels over the weekend, with many friends and family travelling from across Western Australia to say their farewell.
The Hinaki family performed a Haka in tribute to Jarda Daniel’s legacy, and Randall Hinaki shared a eulogy written by Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki.
“You and your family were the first people we met when we moved to Ieramagadu nineteen years ago to Sherlock Street. I was new to town, didn’t know anyone, and heard someone calling out from outside. When I peeked through the curtains, there you were, standing at the fence, calling out. I came out, we introduced ourselves, and you handed me an extension cord, asking if you could plug it in to listen to music. What a classic! The next day, you asked if I could put your milk and water in our fridge to keep it cool, marnu.
Later, we bumped into each other at the Pilbara Aboriginal Church. I was so excited to realise we were not just neighbours but also sisters in Christ. From then on, we became good friends. You shared advice as an elder, teaching me about Aboriginal culture in Ieramagadu.
We worked closely during NAIDOC and spent time on camping trips to Yindjibarndi Ngurra, which brought us closer. I still remember the day Mahalia and Gwarn had a cheeky argument as kids. You called me over, growled at me, and we stopped talking for a while. But at an event later, you came up and said, "Tangiora, I want you to forgive me." I replied, "Please forgive me too." That was who you were—firm but full of love and grace because of your faith.
Not long after, at a church service in the village park, you shared a testimony about how we reconciled. You called me up, and we sang, “He is My Everything, He is My All.” That song will always remind me of you and the love of Jesus that kept us close.
When I joined Ngaarda Media nine years ago, you were a board member and broadcaster. We had so many adventures, but my favourite was our trip to Waiben (Thursday Island) for the Indigenous Remote Media Festival. You even created a special podcast for your granddaughter.
On earth, you were a strong, resilient woman of faith. Even after losing loved ones and facing tough times, you always smiled, gave your time to the community, and provided guidance. You were deeply involved, attending board meetings and listening to the Ngaarda breakfast show.
I’ll never forget the day you called during the show, and Ryan answered. You told him, "Tangiora thinks she’s the queen of Ngaarda Media—buahahaha!" Later, I called you back and said, "There’s only one Yindjibarndi queen, and that’s YOU!"
Now, I imagine you enjoying conversations with loved ones in Paradise, Aunty Aroha, and Nanny Love. I miss you and think of you often. Knowing we’ll reunite in eternity is my comfort.