Welcome Crystal!

Can you please introduce yourself?

Hey, my name is Crystal Butcher. I’m a mother of two and a creative based in Central/Western Desert.

Can you tell us a bit about your language journey?

My language journey has been complex. I’ve been very selective of how, when and whom I speak language to. This is because I’ve grown up phasing between different worlds, for example between community, town and city. I can understand the language (Luritja) but I don’t speak it fluently, only broken up. When my father was alive I would only speak language to him as he did not speak English. But after he passed away I stopped speaking it. It’s a complicated journey but I’m trying to think less about myself and more about others and it’s just respectful to make the effort to talk whatever language you know so families who have less English skills can feel comfortable and understand you.

Why do you think language work is important?

Speaking language and preserving language is a healing process for all. It is a way of resisting colonialism and preserving the knowledge systems that centre language at its core.

What inspired you to apply for a place at Living Languages?

Everything! The role that was advertised instantly spoke to me. And learning more about LL just made me want to contribute to the org. It’s one thing to be passionate about what you do, but to work for an organisation that aligns with your values is also so important! I got lucky.

You’ve done a whole range of different creative work – is there something you’re most proud of?

Music will always be my language. Music can speak to every single person on this earth regardless of ethnicity, language, religion or beliefs.

My proudest moments as a musician and/or creative is collaborating with other artists/groups of people to advocate for important social messages through the power of music and art.

Or could you share a few highlights?

I think I’m most proud of working with my family. I know this sounds really corny, but music really is in my family’s DNA. It is so special when we’re able to play together. My brothers are all talented guitarist, drummers and keyboard players. They all are incredible soloists, and our fathers are and were incredible soloists as well, sometimes I think they were the best in the country, not to be biased but their instruments really spoke and knew the language of music.

What does your language mean to you?

Language is the centre of everything and the ancientness of language literally vibrates when it’s spoken. It's powerful.

What are your hopes and aspirations for your language?

I hope the world can hear more of the incredible music artists in the Western Desert that sing in language. I feel like Central/Western desert mob don’t get much recognition in the NT music industry and there are so many different artists from every single language group that are doing the work to share their language through music. Music is such a powerful tool to preserve and share language. There is a whole underground music industry here powered by these artists and I hope it can continue to be shared and celebrated with wider Australia.

What are your hopes and aspirations for working at Living Languages?

I hope that the missions of Living Languages are all achieved and we see the successful outcomes achieved through the hard work of all the strong, amazing women who work for Living Languages.

Can you tell us a bit about what you do when you’re not working at Living Languages?

I do some project work on the ground for Seed (youth led and Indigenous led climate action group), and I'm also shadowing/working with Davie Bridie on a live theatre production that will share the story of the Warumupi Band through the eyes of the Butcher brothers from Papunya.

What is one thing that you love about your language and why?

I love how Luritja is so easy to put into melody. Must be the open vowels and the words are a bit rhythmic, if that makes sense. Check out Tjupi Band (my brothers) on Apple Music if you wanna hear more!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share and reflect on ourselves! It’s been fun. :)