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Showing posts from April, 2022

‘cultural mis-interpretation’ at Mt Warning

 Millie Boyd was a highly respected Aboriginal elder in Northern NSW. She is widely recognised as the last "Gulgan" or keeper of the mountain and its tribal folklore. In this recording from 1977 she talks to NPWS anthropologist Howard (Harry) Creamer about the mythology around Mt Warning.  Millie Boyd calls Mt Warning "Wulambiny Momoli". This has the meaning of 'scrub turkey nest', a `djurebil' or increase site where hunting is forbidden so that Brush-turkeys may replenish their numbers. If you look at the profile of Mt Warning from the north, you can see the Turkey sitting on its nest. The profile is a dead ringer for the turkey distinctive shape- head, back and tail! There it is sitting on its nest; the caldera. It is plain as day. No wonder this view inspired the story. In the foreground lies Wollumbin the warrior lying on his back looking at the stars. It is  the Mountain on James McKenzie's property. It's name stolen by NSW Lands and incorre