Malaami Conversation: NGAARLU - Gumbaynggirr nyami (women) gayi (talking) ngaarlu (water)

NGAARLU.  This event honours the element of water and the tradition of knowledge sharing. It will be a special opportunity to connect with the wisdom of Gumbaynggirr women knowledge holders from three generations, who will share the importance of water within Gumbaynggirr culture. This is the second of four Malaami Conversations themed on the four elements: Waagay/Fire, Ngaarlu/Water, Wajarr/Earth, and Muya-ngarra/Air.

Aunty Lisa Kelly and Dr. Chels Marshall share: “From the ripples of energy and the flow of life, Ngaarlu (water) awakens the senses of nurturing and responsibility for Gumbaynggirr Jagun (homelands). For thousands of years, Gumbaynggirr people have used water for ceremony and LORE. In line with our Gumbaynggirr creation and stories we will be discussing the cultural needs and requirements of healthy clean water in Gumbaynggirr Jagun. The event will offer a gathering of Gumbaynggirr women elders and knowledge holders on a panel who will yarn about the importance of water for mind, body, spirit and soul – and for looking after Kin – as well as future directions for nurturing Cultural integrity of women and water”.                                                                                                                                                                  

• WHEN: Sunday, 8 September 2024 – 11:30-3:00pm. 
• WHERE: Malaami Gathering Place @Thora General Store
• WHAT: The event includes an introductory expert panel on Ngaarlu/water, including short presentations by representatives from community and government water initiatives. This will be followed by an interactive “Kitchen Table” session where all participants break into interest groups to discuss and share ideas and plans about Ngaarlu practices in our local area.
• WHO: Knowledge holders who will be sharing at this event include Gumbaynggirr elder Aunty Bea Ballangarry, Traditional Custodian Lisa Kelly, Gumbaynggirr/Kamilaroi saltwater/freshwater woman Frances Witt, Dr. Chels Marshall, and Kira Duroux.
• HOW: This event is a ticketed event, for planning purposes. Please register via Humanitix.

This event is made possible through a generous grant from WELA (Women's Environmental Leadership Australia) - learn more about the good work that WELA does at https://wela.org.au/

Photo by Dr. Chels Marshall, Artwork by Aunty Lisa Kelly. The blue and green colours represent both salt and fresh water. The image in the middle depicts community (lines ending with dots) listening to Gumbaynggirr women (represented by a line with a coolamon “u” next to them). The blue spirals and lines depict the waterholes and waterways of Gumbaynggirr country.