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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.

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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.