NGADJURI PEOPLE ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

ABORIGINAL CULTURE

 

    Here we will try to detail some of our Ngadjuri Aboriginal Culture.
     

    CULTURE

    A very important part of Ngadjuri Culture is the respect shown to the Elders by all younger Members of the Families regardless of age. Those who marry into the Ngadjuri Family have always honoured & respected the authority of the Elders. It has always been a condition for those claiming Ngadjuri heritage that the Elders teachings, views & opinions take precedence over the views and opinions of the younger generations. This is how the Younger Generations learn respect. Respect for the True Elders was and still is a condition of acceptance withing Ngadjuri Society. Sadly far too many of the Younger generation choose not to show Respect to their Elders which has so many other Australians questioning why they are asked to show respect to our Elders, past, Present & emerging.

    ELDERS

    Much has changed over many Generations. Years ago only Men could be an Elder & sit in a Council of Elders, today we are fortunate to have Women Elders who also hold so much of the knowledge and traditions of our People. Few today have to go through the rituals our Forefathers did with training from a very early age and bearing the incision scars on the upper arm to signify their status as an Elder. What hasn't changed is that our Elders must have Heritage only to the Mob he/she claims to be an Elder of. Elders are the Custodians of Knowledge and Customs of each Mob handed down.
       

    AUNTIE

    We address our Aunties by calling them Auntie and not by their name as a Sign of Respect. The Honour is that our Aunties are like our Mothers, they are here to guide us and never give up on their Nieces and Nephews. In our Culture when you don't have a Mum you will never be an Orphan because your Auntie steps in and Honours the Role. She accepts a Relatives Child as her own. Our People didn't let each other suffer, it's an honour to take in and care for a Family member with or without Parents. NO questions asked, it was just done.
       

    RETURNED ARTEFACTS

    These objects were acquired by Michel Billiet of France during the 19th Century when he was involved in the establishment of the Wine Industry in South Australia. He was based in Adelaide but he was known to have spent time in the Terowie area. These items went with him when he returned to France around 1870. Since that time they have remained in the house which is in a rural Agricultural area near Lyon in France. They remained with the Family in France until recently, and have now been returned to Us on Country by his Decendents in 2024. It should be noted that the Adelaide & Melbourne Museums declined to accept any further Aboriginal Artefacts. As Elders are able to help identify what these were used for all information will be updated.

     

    This is a Stone Knife from Terowie returned from France

     

    This is a Thin Stone Pendant also shown on the Reverse Side with a Pen to indicate its size

     

    This is a Stone Carving also shown with a Pen to indicate size

     

    This is the Reverse side of the Stone Carving

     

    These Kuditcha Shoes are still situated in France and Michael Billiet's Australian Descendant is currently working with Animal and Biological Imports Branch | Biosecurity Animal Division Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to return these items back to Country.

     

    INFORMATION

    If anyone would like to add information to this site that in anyway would be of interest to others please E-Mail the Webmaster on ngadjuri@ngadjuri.org.au.