WIRADJURI people’s connection to Ngurambang (country) is as strong now as it has been for over 50,000 years. Connection to country is something that allows us to clear our minds, focus on our culture and learning. Connection to country also includes the animals as we Wiradjuri mob believe that learning also comes from watching and learning from all creatures that live with us on our garray (land)

The gugubarra (kookaburra) is one such animal that Wiradjuri people connect to. Often when I’m in country looking for madhan (tree) that may produce a good Yidaki (didge) for me, I come across madhu (many) gugubarra. They sit very quietly and patiently waiting for the right time to swoop down and gather some dhal (food). It is amazing when you watch these brilliant hunters as when they swoop and fly, they make very little noise.

The perfect hunter. Much like our Wiradjuri people is the gugubarra, we move about the bush making little noise, we are brilliant hunters and we are patient and respectful to our country.

In the early ngarin (morning) the gugubarra sings his song to make sure that the yiray (sun) wakes up and then he sings again late in the afternoon to put the yiray to sleep. Gugubarra also calls out very loudly when danger or strangers are about as well. Gugubarra is our alarm clock and early warning system of danger. The bond between Wiradjuri people and country is something that has lasted for madhu (many) generations.

When we walk country we don’t just stroll along aimlessly, we always have purpose and meaning. To walk in country is like being in a classroom, we talk, teach and learn as we go, always looking and listening to our garray (land).

When you see Wiradjuri mob sitting down in a circle, we are yarning to each other, undertaking business or teaching our young ones important lessons. These times are very important to our culture and to our mental health.

For more learning and sharing go to my community Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WiradjuriMob

- Mark Saddler