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Come and learn about our Culture. It helps if you look and listen with your heart as well as your head. That way you can experience the way we share our knowledge and better understand who we are and how we connect to Country.

Our Aboriginal culture gives us a sense of belonging to the land, the sea and to each other. It links the past, present and future and is expressed through our stories, art and songs, our dance and ceremony, and the way we understand and respect Country. Much has been handed down from our ancestors over a long time and we work to keep this valuable knowledge and connection to Country alive. Maintaining our cultural traditions and looking after Country is important for our identity and well-being, and shows respect to our ancestors.

Our culture is one of the most beautiful cultures in the world. It feels good to be a part of my culture, it makes me feel connected and have a strong identity and belonging. I think it is very important for all Australians to understand Aboriginal Culture and learn and recognise Aboriginal people as the First Australians and people that have been here for thousands and thousands of years. We need to learn and unite and look after this land we all call home .“ Nigel Stewart, Arakwal family member.

Arakwal Mob

Through these ancestors we are connected to Country in northern New South Wales that extends along the coast from Broken Head in the south to the Brunswick River (Durrumbul) to the north, past Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) out into the Tasman Sea to the east, and into the Byron Bay hinterland to the west.

We continue to have a strong association with this area which includes the coastal town of Byron Bay, known by the Bunjalung people as Cavanbah, which means ‘meeting place’. Many of us live and work here, or if living elsewhere visit whenever we can. To all of us it is our true home. Click on and watch the video below and learn more from Arakwal family member, Delta Kay, who shares stories and information about Cavanbah.

 

Our relationship with this Country is more than just a place to live. It’s the living, breathing source of all life, our spiritual home and home of our ancestors’ spirits.

Being in and part of Country keeps us connected to our culture and our ancestors. It’s our duty to look after Country. We look after Country and Country looks after us.

Through family and long term relationships over many generations we are also connected to Country and Aboriginal communities up and down the coast and inland, not just in the Northern Rivers region but much further afield.

Likewise they are connected to us, and Country here, and this is important for maintaining our traditions, knowledge and stories that go back to the Dreaming time.