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(LS): Kudi (Barramundi)
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Blue Quandongs inside Dilly bag
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(LS): Diwan (Scrub Turkey)
Diwan are bush food, an important source of meat. We also eat the eggs, they are a delicacy. The male bird looks after the nest and will not go far, as he has to protect the nest from bush goanna’s. If they come around he will send out an alarm call to other Diwan to alert therm. The nesting time for Diwan is September to December. The bush goanna knows when the eggs will be ready, when the goanna’s start hanging around, this is a good sign that the eggs are ready. We dig for eggs with digging sticks or by hand. The nest is very deep and where the surface is warm it lets you know where the eggs are underneath. The eggs are full of vitamins and protein and are good for health and strength.
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Yulba (Saltwater Mussel)
The Yulba (Saltwater Mussel) is a favourite food in my family. We gather the shells from the mangroves and either cook them in the fire at the beach or take them home. I learned how to find them when I was a little girl and now I am teaching my own children.
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(LS): Birmba (White Cockatoo)
Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation.
White Cockatoos always remind me of my grandfather, my sisters and other family who have passed on. Th eyare like protective spirits for me, my family and my loved ones that have passed.They will give you signs: Good signs and signs of danger. They let you know when to move on.
When I’m out with my grandchildren, I say “Look, do you see that white cockatoo there? That’s your grandmother there, overlooking us”. I let them know that it is family watching over them , keeping them connected to each other and our country. When I’m alone, I know they’re around. I speak to their spirit and they give me strength.
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Walkarr (Bush Goanna)
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Saltwater Turtle
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Ngawiya (Sea Turtle)
In the past, sea turtles were an important food source for Kuku Yalanji people. Only men were allowed to hunt them. The men were also responsible for cooking them in a ground oven and distributing the meat to all the families.
We ate turtle meat on special occasions such as the birth of a new born baby and during funeral ceremonies. Our ancestors used the shell of sea turtles carrying, storing and serving food as well as making damper.
