In the cold predawn two hundred of us gathered at Balmoral Beach in Mosman, Sydney to welcome Grandfather Sun and acknowledge the Whales. Led by Yuin elder Uncle Max Dullamunmun Harrison and members of the Ngaran Ngaran dance group we learned
about the significance of the whale to the indigenous peoples.
The Rotunda, Balmoral Beach
To the indigenous peoples of Australia “The Dreaming” refers to their tribe or
nations beliefs and spirituality as it is pertinent to their Country.
Uncle Max welcomes people into the Whale Ceremony
The Dreamtime or Dreaming was when Ancestral Beings moved across Australia creating life and the landscape. Dreaming stories explain how the people, animals and land were formed. The sharing of Dreaming stories reenforce and pass on important knowledge, beliefs and culture to future generations. Dreaming stories are shared through storytelling, songs, dance and art.
The Australian indigenous peoples have maintained this rich cultural heritage over tens of thousands of years.
Uncle Max
To the many Salt Water Peoples the whale is seen as a significant totem, kin or brother.
Over thousands of years whales have been depicted in indigenous rock art, songs and Dreaming stories.
Uncle Max
Although indigenous peoples did not engage in active whaling, stranded whales were a
very important source of food, fat and bone for making tools, shelters and weapons.
Uncle Max’s 400 year old Ceremonial Whale Spear
Uncle Max with his 400 year old Ceremonial Whale Spear
Dwayne Bannon plays the Didgeridoo
Uncle Max and the Ngaran Ngaran Dance Group
To learn more about Uncle Max and the Ngaran Ngaran Dance Group please follow this link to their website.
Ngaran Ngaran Dance Group