The Bauhinia Tree: The Life of Kankawa Olive Knight

With deep roots in the Kimberley region, Olive Knight shares her story of growing up with the Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri peoples of north-western Australia. As the daughter of a half-caste father, she was nearly killed on the day of her birth, as was customary for half-blood children in her community. Thankfully she was spared by an elder, and would follow her own path, full of hardship as she moved from mission to mission. She eventually found love and fulfilment, following her late husband Jim’s passion for Indigenous rights, becoming a respected translator and community leader. After Jim’s death, Olive’s singing and songwriting opened unexpected worlds of opportunity.

From early days in mission gospel choirs to finding her true voice in the country western, blues and rock n’ roll music of the day, Olive’s talent as a singer eventually led to collaborations with other artists and performers, many of whom sought her unique voice and ability to translate songs into her traditional language. In 2011, Olive was invited to sing as part of Hugh Jackman’s Back on Broadway production.