Published: 6 November 2024

This regular column, that features in Council's quarterly print newsletter, introduces dhurga words and meanings, with help from our Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Historical and current customs, values and codes of behaviour are governed by cultural lore. Of course, lore is present in all cultures, a major influence on how people interact that encourages appropriate and respectful behaviour.

Traditionally, Aboriginal lore is passed down verbally through story, song, dance and the land itself.

• Bushfood mamaadja - native cherry tree

This tree grows a little edible berry. The leaves are used in smoking ceremonies, holding different stories that connect to dreaming, ceremony and mens/womens business.

• Origins umbarra – pacific black duck

This is the totem of the yuin people, with a very strong story and connection to the Wallaga Lake area.

When traditional custodians think of totems, they think of them as family. Not only animals are totems, plants and insects and even the elements can be totems.

An individual can have several totems including individual, family, tribal, nation, spirit and/or lore totems. Each comes with responsibility to protect it and its environment – totems are looked after like family. This is one of the ways traditional culture cared for country to ensure a healthy and thriving environment.

Another aspect to origins is language. Traditionally, people would speak up to five or six different languages. In Eurobodalla, there are two similar but unique language groups; dhurga and djirringanj.

• This story was first published in Council’s quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla. A printed edition is delivered to the shire’s 26,000 households.

---

Don’t miss out on Council news and events, subscribe to our monthly email newsletter.