Margaret Kemarre Turner

Margaret Kemarre Turner, also known as M. K. Turner, (18 October 1938 – 5 July 2023) was an Arrernte woman, who belonged to the Akarre people. Turner was an elder in her community, an interpreter, artist and author. She was also involved with the Institute for Aboriginal Development in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia where she taught language, culture and cross-cultural courses.

Early life Turner was born near Spotted Tiger region of Harts Range, Northern Territory, approximately 215 km north-east of Alice Springs. Her family was moved off the land due to an influx of miners and the creation of a large army base during World War II.

The family were moved again, in 1942, by the army to the Catholic mission at Arltunga

Career Turner had a long career working across Central Australia. Some of her key achievements were:

Works Bush Foods : Arrernte Foods of Central Australia: Nhenhe-areye Anwerne-arle Arlkweme, Alice Springs : IAD Press, 1996

Iwenhe Tyerrtye : What It Means to Be an Aboriginal Person, Alice Springs : IAD Press, 2010

Awards 1997 Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the Indigenous Community of Central Australia; particularly in relation to preserving language and culture and working as an interpreter.