Nguy Jagunah Yugambeh

02/10/2024

Always was, always will be!

Our Yugambeh Nation has existed since time immemorial 👣

30/09/2024

Truth 🍃

"Our aspiration through treaty is to be able to get to a place where on matters directly about First Peoples, First Peoples get to make the decisions."

First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria/

Self-determination can mean many things to different peoples. In Victoria, conversations around the concept have sharpened in recent years as Victoria makes Australian history in its move towards truth and treaty processes.

Read more at:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-08/victoria-self-determination-indigenous-treaty-yoorrook/103918900

07/06/2024

All across the world you'll find ancient archeological battle sites with thousands of violently murdered victims, yet no such sites have ever been found in Australia. 👣

02/06/2024

What a privilege to speak with Yugambeh Elder and Traditional Custodian Uncle Ted Williams on national television this morning about “Sing on the Dugulumba Balun” for National Reconciliation Week.

Catch up on the full interview here: https://youtu.be/meLAaRYtzjg?si=fCBE_LiwglzjtnXn

Watch the "Sing on the Dugulumba Balun - Blackfella/Whitefella" music video here: https://youtu.be/33oX4fqu-hQ?si=_K0JxuAeet7o0OtS







Reconciliation Australia

29/05/2024

Sacred scar trees being destroyed on Yugambeh country!

Breaking News - Yugambeh Heritage Destroyed near Beaudesert:

The Danggan Balun Native Title Group, who represent the interests of the Yugambeh people have released a media statement alleging Aboriginal Cultural Heritage destruction is occurring at Bromelton Quarry in Queensland!

One previously identified scar tree was found dead in suspicious circumstances, raising concerns about deliberate harm to these heritage sites. Despite satellite imagery showing bulldozer tracks leading directly to a knocked over culturally modified tree, the State refused to undertake a proper investigation.

Despite the commissioned reports confirming the presence of significant cultural Aboriginal heritage sites within the proposed extension area of Bromelton Quarry, preparations led by Groundwork Plus indicate that quarry operations will proceed.

“We are calling for immediate action to prevent irreversible damage” Mr Davies said, confirming quarry contractors Barro Group, Groundwork and other contractors seeking to undertake work on the project area have been put on notice by Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS).

Read their full statement here: https://fiverivers.net.au/notices/2024/5/29/aboriginal-cultural-heritage-destruction-at-bromelton-quarry-queensland

Use the following form to send the below letter directly to Bromelton Quarry: https://www.yugam.be/bromelton-quarry-campaign

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Destruction at Bromelton Quarry, Queensland

I am writing to you as a concerned ally of Aboriginal people, particularly the Danggan Balun and Mununjali People, in response to the ongoing threat to Aboriginal cultural heritage at Bromelton Quarry.

Recent reports and assessments have highlighted the significant cultural landscape at Bromelton Quarry, which includes culturally modified trees, artefact sites, and other significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. The presence of these sites is well-documented and forms an integral part of the cultural legacy of the Danggan Balun and Mununjali People.

It has come to my attention that the Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation, along with heritage consultants Converge Heritage and Everick Heritage, have been diligently working to protect these sites. Despite their efforts, there are serious concerns regarding the protection and preservation of these cultural assets.

The recent inspections in October 2021 and August 2023 have identified several Aboriginal cultural heritage sites within the project area. Shockingly, during the August 2023 inspection, a culturally modified tree was found dead under suspicious circumstances, indicating potential deliberate harm to these sites.

Furthermore, the proposed quarry extension plans pose an imminent threat to even more culturally significant areas. The disregard shown by Bromelton Quarry Pty Ltd towards its cultural heritage duty of care obligations is alarming. The failure of the State to support the Danggan Balun People in protecting their cultural heritage is deeply concerning and unacceptable.

As an ally and supporter of Aboriginal cultural heritage preservation, I urge Bromelton Quarry Pty Ltd to take immediate action to halt any further destruction of these irreplaceable sites. It is imperative that a thorough investigation is conducted into the suspicious incidents reported, and appropriate measures are implemented to ensure the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

In addition, I urge you to work closely with the Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation and other relevant stakeholders to establish a robust Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) that complies with legislative requirements and ensures the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The significance of these sites cannot be understated, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are preserved for future generations. I stand in solidarity with the Danggan Balun and Mununjali People in their efforts to protect their cultural heritage.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

26/05/2024

Even neighbouring Nation's elders calling it out for a long time now

It has been over a quarter of a century now since erroneous claims about Wollumbin began and Australia has done nothing but ignore us. 👣🦻

Sorry means you don't do it again. 👀👍🏽

26/05/2024

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has a lot to answer for!

Did you know that Penny Sharpe MLC sat in an interview with Ben Fordham promising to make the process regarding the Wollumbin consultation open and transparent, but continues to direct all Yugambeh people to their self-appointed WCG?

25/05/2024

Registered Aboriginal charity provided much-needed programs 🥹🙏🏾
Donate today!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Danggan Balun Community Benefit Fund, a dedicated initiative aimed at uplifting and supporting our community through crucial services. This fund is designed to provide essential funeral payments, educational support for our youth, and the reinvigoration o...

19/05/2024

History 🤓

Do you know the history of the South Sea Islander community in Australia? 🧐

We put this together to illustrate the unique and resilient history of the Islander community within our Yugambeh country 👣❤👑

04/05/2024

In understanding Australia's Indigenous heritage, it's crucial to delve into concepts like Traditional Owners, Historical Peoples, and the enduring legacy of the Stolen Generations.

03/05/2024

👏🏽💪🏿

Together though, Yugambeh people have worked for decades to collaboratively create maps, see the history here

28/04/2024

Important places

Did you know there was an Aboriginal camp at Southport?

Here is a photo of Southport at Jubilee bridge, 1934.

In the background you can see the islets that eventually became the McIntosh Island and Paradise Waters, and on the mainland, the area of Brighton Parade/James Overell Park. 🏘

This was the home of a large number of Yugambeh people and had been a camping space for our people for decades and was the birthplace of many family members - all the way back before European colonisation.

A large number of families were removed from here to Deebing Creek Mission sometime in the early 1890s, with many families moving to Tweed or Beaudesert to escape the removals. Fortunately, some were able to stay and Brighton Parade was a stable living space for generations - the last Yugambeh family only moving out recently! 🤯

A local centre point for Yugambeh families along with other spaces at Beaudesert, Hillview, South Tweed, Murwillumbah, Fingal, and Billinudgel, Southport has always been an integral part of our history. 🏞

It's amazing to think that right when this photo was taken, our old people were living right here. 🦅

Restoration/colourisation by Yugambeh Nation🎨

27/04/2024

Truth

Country does not belong to us, we belong to Country.🦅

But what does that really mean?

We thought we'd take a moment to explain the 'belonging' between people and land, and by extension, language.

There is a common misconception about Aboriginal ideas of belonging that generalises the unique and distinct connections held by Traditional Owners, other Aboriginal peoples, and non-Indigenous peoples. In some cases equating all Aboriginal belonging as one and the same, and denying non-Indigenous connections or belonging to land and language.⛰

The truth of the matter is a lot more complicated and intricate, so we took the time to adapt a diagram from some academic work which hopefully illustrates how languages are associated primarily with an area of land, and only secondarily with a family/social group or individual.🏘

Yugambeh people form the traditional clans and family groups, while non-Yugambeh people (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) form the immigrant family/social groups. There is also the 'isolated individual', the non-Yugambeh persons with individual/personal connections to land that do not come from their social/family group relations (e.g. the lone immigrant) - should they stay they seed or eventually form the immigrant groups.👣

27/04/2024

Traditional Owners, are the original First Nation of an area, they have a right to self-determination and a right to their cultural identity. They should not be homogenised with Historical Peoples or other groups, simply because they are all ‘Aboriginal’. 👣

It's important to recognise that while historical people may feel a genuine connection to their Indigenous heritage, using another's tribal name can be harmful and disrespectful to the Indigenous communities whose identity and sovereignty are tied to that name🦅

Read more about Traditional Owners and Historical people here: https://www.yugam.be/stories/homogenisation-of-first-nations-is-discrimination

20/04/2024

Where the Mebbon at? 🦅😎

Have you been?👣🦅👣

16/04/2024

A true legend

That's an estimated ~600 adults. 👑🤯

30/03/2024

"Take only memories, leave only footprints" spoke Chief Seattle, also known as Sealth, a prominent leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish 👑

Echoing the timeless wisdom of respecting the legacies of those who came before us. In the hearts of our Yugambeh people, this sentiment resonates deeply, for our name itself carries the echoes of our ancestors' wisdom and the imprints of their journeys through time.

Yugambeh—more than just a name, it is a sacred bond that connects us to our past, present, and future. Passed down through generations like a precious heirloom, Yugambeh embodies the essence of who we are as a people. Yet, to the uninitiated ear, it may be just a string of syllables or merely the word for 'Very Much No'. But to us, it is a guiding force returning us back to the roots of our existence.

In the annals of history, the story of Yugambeh might not be inscribed in the grand tomes of conquerors or chroniclers. Yet, in the whispers of our Elders and the rhythms of our ceremonies, its significance echoes louder than any written word. For Yugambeh is not merely a label; it is a living testament to the resilience, wisdom, and spirit of our ancestors.

So, when asked why we identify with our tribal name, we answer with reverence and pride, for Yugambeh is more than just a name—it is the heartbeat of our people, the rhythm of our culture, the enduring strength against evil, and the guiding star that leads us on our journey through time. It is a sacred inheritance left by men and women greater than those who question us today.👏

In the footsteps of our ancestors, we walk proudly as Yugambeh people, honoring their legacy and carrying their spirit forward into the dawn of a new day.👣

27/03/2024

Through our Waguy, we connect to the Ancestors of the past, to the people we have loved and lost. People that we think are gone from this world, but that is ŋañjara (a falsehood).

Our Waguy tells us that they're still here, that we are still connected to them, that time and death are merely an illusion. The greatest ŋañjara is the lie that we are separated, that any of us are separate from one another, living or dead.