JACOB IRVINE
‘Jingeri Jimbelungs’ which in the language of the local Yugambeh people translates to ‘Hello Friends’. NAIDOC week was celebrated around Australia this week, and much like the meaning behind ‘Jingeri Jumbelungs’, there was a very welcoming feeling at this year’s festivities.
NAIDOC week was a chance to showcase rich cultural experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rooted in their history. Throughout the week, activities were held around the coast to recognize the often overlooked contributions indigenous Australians have made to society. Griffith University was one of the venues at the forefront of the celebration where students got to learn about the native Australian culture.
In addition to the demonstrations about weaving, there was also an opportunity for students to sample some of the traditional food of the Yugambeh people. There were drinks, and traditional scones on offer, all of which had been hand made.
Patricia Lewy, who is a Yagumbeh tribe elder stressed the importance that today’s younger generation should place on learning about their cultural heritage.
“Culture is such an important part of what shapes us as an individual and keeping us in contact with our ancestral heritage, but we don’t see younger people today really taking the time to learn about this”, she said.
Patricia went on to say that, culture isn’t just important for the native people of Australia, but everyone, because not only does it teach us about ourselves, but also about other around us and how we are all different.
Patricia said, “Culture isn’t something that should just be forgotten about, it’s such a valuable part of society which is distinctly differently wherever you go in life”.
