December 6th saw the return of the Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporation (KMAC) Annual Cultural Day at Wedge Island, where visitors were invited to immerse themselves in Yued culture.
NACC NRM staff joined the event with individuals from coast care groups, track care groups and many others who share a passion for conservation in the NAR.
The day commenced with an inspiring Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Yued Elder Mr Charlie Shaw and his grandson Caleb Shaw. Assisting with these formalities were the Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Program, KMAC Yued Rangers.
Traditional artefacts such as tools and jewellery were displayed alongside new interpretive signage developed to educate visitors about the cultural history and importance of the area.
NACC Corporate Services Manager Tom Maina attended the event and said the day was jam packed full of Yued culture and history.
“Having only made it out to Wedge for the first time, my highlight for the day was listening to Caleb Shaw and other members of the family share some ‘archaeological knowledge’ in one of the Interpretive Walks organised for the day. Also this visit provided the opportunity to chat to the Yued Rangers about their roles, current projects and representatives from other stakeholder groups” Mr Maina said.
Senior Yued Rangers Chris Shaw and Jason Shaw along with DBCA Yued rangers Caleb Shaw and Jordan Jackamarra provided a guided tour of a very significant Yued site managed by the Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Program KMAC ranger team.
As part of the tour, the rangers discussed cultural protocols, artefacts and demonstrated the use of different tools used in traditional food preparation. While lunch was being prepared in the new KMAC Bush Kitchen, Yued Elder Mary Nannup demonstrated the use of some bushfoods in cooking.
While Mary shared her knowledge of Noongar language, patrons were taught how to use an array of bushfoods and about the Noongar seasons that provide them.
Kangaroo meatballs with bush tomato sauce, fresh crayfish and chocolate cake with secret ingredients were just some of the delicious catering provided by the KMAC crew to finish off a great day of cultural sharing and learning on country.
The Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporation Yued Ranger Program is supported by NACC NRM Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Program with funding from Prime Minister and Cabinet, National Indigenous Australians Agency – Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
Inspiring to see program really hitting the ground.well done to all involved