The following speech was delivered by Ngunnawal Elder Dr Caroline Hughes AM at a naming ceremony on 30 November 2023, which saw the Ngunnawal community gift a new name to the future Acton Waterfront public park.
The park will be known as Ngamawari (‘nar-mar-wa-ree’).
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In the spirit of well-being and coming together with respect everyone Canberra is Ngura Dhawaurawai – Ngunnawalwari home of Ngunnawal since time immemorial.
I acknowledge all First Nations people as well non-Indigenous people – all Elders both past and present.
I pay my respect to the seven clans represented here today, that make up Ngunnawal community. I also extend respects to our neighbours – Wiradjuri Ngarigo Yuin and Gundungarra peoples.
Image: Ngunnawal Elder Dr Caroline Hughes AM at the 30 November naming ceremony.
Canberra is a Ngunnawal word meaning meeting place. A place where Ngunnawal hosted our neighbours for gatherings for ceremonial practices that included opportunities to share and care for each other.
Where we lived and embodied the spirit of love and care of all, practicing yinjumarra – deep respect and deep intensive listening to understand – not to respond. Respecting and love for all, including our environment and all living creatures. Where we understood that living in harmony meant working together as a collective – galambany – putting the greater Yadhung (good) above the needs of self. Where we lived in harmony with each other and the world around us – interactions of law where Parliament House stands today. As well as learnings and teachings of history, science, astrology, language, dance, storytelling, songs all with yindjumarra.
Ceremonies included songs, dancing and stories as well as other law and initiation ceremonies.
Traditionally, education was part of everyday life – connecting through stories that were shared to gain knowledge and understanding that we thrive as a collective community – not individualistic worldviews.
Image: Ngunnawal community representatives attending the special event.
Our lessons were/are from the lands, waters and skies as well as between.
I am especially honoured to be here with you all today for the revitalisation of our Dhawura (country) – our place to share with fellow Canberrans and visitors. So they understand the truth.
Ngamawari reflects the truth telling story of this place …. a place of significance to our people - Ngunnawal people. There is so much Ngunnawal history in this place that has not been told such as the limestone caves (Ngamawari) that have been hidden by Lake Burley Griffin and the city buildings. All created at a time when Ngunnawal were excluded from the conversation and development of Canberra. The significance lost forever.
Ngamawari celebrates and educates all about Ngunnawal Country, history and language.
After all, yinjumarra – love and care of all are the salient ingredients for a better and peaceful world for all.
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Learn more about Ngamawari and the Acton Waterfront project, or join our newsletter to receive updates.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
