Artist Name: Rodney Bill Dockrill Bama Name: Bilngkamu Meaning: Freshwater and saltwater Crocodile Language Group: PNG, Torres Straight, Yalanji Totem: Dolphin, Tabulnus- Great Grey Sea Eagle Born: Lab lab Hospital, Siassi 1973 Residence: Mossman

My Story:
 
“I was born in Lab lab Hospital, Siassi, which is apart of the Marobe province 
Siassi is one of eight Islands on the North coast of P.N.G which runs between the Vitas and Dampier Straights.
I was born there in 1973 and came over to Australia in 1974.  I lived with my Mum and Dad near the Bloomfield River just south of Cooktown. I have lived there and Mossman all my life with my Mum, Dad and three brothers.  I grew up with Kuku Yalanji people and learnt a lot of their customs, ways and beliefs.  I am very proud because I have gained three rich, beautiful cultures. I learnt bama culture, I learnt Island cultures and western culture.  I was taught fishing and wood carving by my mother and grandfather and my father taught me how to build boats.
I have three beautiful children and I’m teaching them the three cultures. My children are Aboriginal, Islander and South Sea Islander. I have many Islander families that are related to me from my mother’s side and through my children from my in laws.  Most of all I am proud that I have learnt so much from Yalanji and so proud to be counted as a part of them.”