Nharangga Minlagawi Cultural Day

More than 200 people attended the Nharangga Minlagawi Cultural Day on Sunday, 7 May.

The event offered locals and visitors of all ages a chance to learn about traditional science, knowledge, skills, culture and caring for Nharangga Banggara (Narungga Country).

The celebration of Nharangga dhura (Narungga people) and culture was held at Minlagawi Gum Flat Reserve at Minlaton.

“The Nharangga Minlagawi Cultural Day was again a huge success, celebrating and showcasing culture, food and art,” Environment Officer Letitia Dahl-helm said.

“During the Welcome to Country by Mia and Bri Warrior with Shanaid Hickman Sansbury, a cleansing Smoking Ceremony was conducted by Shane Warrior, the smoke passing over attendees.

“Coming together over food is culturally important to Nharangga dhura (Narungga people) and no one went hungry with damper by Auntie Daphney Rickett, kangaroo tail soup and emu sliders by the Nunga kids of Minlaton District School, and lemon myrtle melting moments and wattleseed biscuits by Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours.

“Newchurch Family Farm’s kangaroo and chicken tacos were extremely popular.”

Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association had language resources and history books available for purchase, with many interested to learn about traditions before colonisation.

“We received plenty of feedback about how enjoyable the guided walks by Shane and Steven Warrior of Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours were,” Ms Dahl-helm said.

“Many were keen to have their forehead painted by Mia and Bri Warrior and Tamiya and Shanaid Hickman-Sansbury or take part in dance workshops with acclaimed dance instructor Nikki Ashby.

“Also popular was string making and discovery of tools and objects with Clem Newchurch, totem nature craft with Bianca Newchurch and Lisa Weetra, feather wands with Jay Milera, and creation stories with Kylie O’Loughlin and her father Elder Uncle Dookie Kevin O’Loughlin.”

The artist market, including Michael Wanganeen Jnr, Jay Milera, Kylie O’Loughlin and Asta Wanganeen, and Wadna (boomerang) throwing with Craig Warrior, were also popular.

The Nharangga Wambana Wanggadja (learning talking circle) with Elder Uncle Michael Wanganeen Snr and Michael Wanganeen Jnr was also an opportunity to learn and yarn.

Nharangga Minlagawi Cultural Day is proudly presented by Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association, Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Yorke Peninsula Council, with funding support from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board’s Grassroots Grants program and Country Arts SA.