The Coorong, a pristine wetland region nestled along the southeastern coast of South Australia, holds deep cultural significance for the Aboriginal peoples who have inhabited the land for thousands of years.
To truly appreciate the beauty of this natural paradise, it’s essential to understand and honor its rich Aboriginal history and heritage. Here’s a glimpse into the Aboriginal history of the Coorong and ways we can respectfully engage with this sacred land.
Ngarrindjeri Life
The Coorong is part of the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal people, who have lived in the region for millennia. For the Ngarrindjeri, the Coorong holds immense cultural, spiritual, and historical importance, serving as a place of connection to their ancestors, their Dreaming stories, and their cultural practices.
Dreaming Stories
The Coorong is rich with Dreamtime stories passed down by the Ngarrindjeri, each offering insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of the land. Here are four more Dreamtime stories that illuminate its spiritual and cultural significance:
These Dreamtime stories offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of the Coorong for the Ngarrindjeri people, highlighting the deep connection between Aboriginal peoples and the land.
Wai-nang-kotchi, the Rainbow Serpent
Wai-nang-kotchi, the Rainbow Serpent, is said to have traveled through the Coorong, carving out rivers and waterways as she slithered across the landscape. Her presence is believed to bring fertility and abundance to the land, and her rainbow-coloured scales symbolise the interconnectedness of all living things.
Ngarrindjeri and the Murray River
Ngurunderi, a powerful ancestor of the Ngarrindjeri people, embarked on a journey to create the Murray River. As he pursued Pondi, the giant Murray cod, Ngurunderi carved out the river’s path with his stone axe, shaping the land and waterways of the Coorong in the process.
Muldjewangk and the Spirit Islands
Muldjewangk, a wise and benevolent spirit, is said to dwell in the Coorong’s Spirit Islands, guiding travellers and protecting the land. The Spirit Islands are sacred sites for the Ngarrindjeri people, who pay homage to Muldjewangk through ceremony and song.
The Nori / Pelican's Gift of Generosity
According to Ngarrindjeri legend, during the Dreamtime, Pelican was known for his generous nature. Pelican had a large pouch that he would fill with fish from the Coorong and distribute them to other animals in need. One day, Pelican noticed that the water levels in the Coorong were dropping, and the fish were becoming scarce. Despite his own hunger, Pelican continued to share his catch with others, teaching the importance of generosity and sharing even in times of scarcity.
Tal-Koort, the Black Swans
Tal-Koort, the Black Swans, are revered as ancestral beings by the Ngarrindjeri people, who believe they possess special powers of transformation and healing. The presence of black swans in the Coorong’s waters is seen as a sign of spiritual protection and connection to the Dreaming.
Resource Mangagement
Traditionally, the Ngarrindjeri practiced sustainable land management techniques, including controlled burning, harvesting of native plants and animals, and careful stewardship of water resources. These practices ensured the health and vitality of the Coorong ecosystem and sustained the Ngarrindjeri way of life for thousands of years.
Spiritual Significance
The Coorong is considered a sacred place for the Ngarrindjeri, where they conduct ceremonies, gatherings, and spiritual practices to honor their ancestors and connect with the land. Visitors to the Coorong are asked to respect the spiritual significance of the land and refrain from disturbing or desecrating sacred sites.
Cultural Heritage Sites
The Coorong is home to numerous Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, including shell middens, burial grounds, and ceremonial sites. These sites are protected under state and federal laws, and visitors are urged to treat them with reverence and refrain from removing or damaging any artifacts or cultural materials.
Map of Local Living and Language
View an interactive version here →
Engaging with Aboriginal Communities
When visiting the Coorong, consider engaging with local Aboriginal communities to learn more about their culture, history, and ongoing connection to the land. Participate in cultural tours, workshops, or events led by Aboriginal guides to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the Coorong from an Aboriginal perspective.
Karangk - Coorong
Derived from an Aboriginal word ‘karangk’ meaning narrow neck, the Coorong is one of the most breath-taking national parks in Australia. Here, we are all guests of the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of these places for over 6,000 years. Aboriginal people have a special connection with everything that is natural, seeing all things on earth as part human. It is true that people who belong to a particular area really are part of that area.
In Conclusion
The Coorong is not just a place of natural beauty but also a living cultural landscape with a rich Aboriginal history and heritage. By acknowledging and respecting the deep connection that Aboriginal peoples have to the land, we can ensure that the Coorong remains a place of cultural significance and spiritual renewal for generations to come.
