Johhny Yungut Tjupurrula

b.1930, Tjungimanta, north-east of Kiwirrkura

Johnny Yungutt Tjupurrula’s family tended to travel between Lake Mackay and where the Kiwirrkura Community now stands. During the 1950’s, Johnny, his wife Walangkura, and members of the extended family heard about the Balgo Community from other Pintupi travellers and made the long trip northwards. Some of the family remained at Balgo, including his brother Donkeyman Lee who later became a well-known artist for the Warlayirti Artists Group.

Johnny returned to the Lake Mackay region and in 1956 met up with the Evans Patrol, travelling to Mount Doreen and Yuendumu with them. He then returned to Lake Mackay and when visiting Lappi Lappi rockhole north of Lake Mackay in 1957 met up with Donald Thompson. As a result of this meeting Johnny features in the book Bindibu Country. Johnny eventually travelled to Haasts Bluff, and later moved to the Papunya Community when it was established in late 1959.