Land of the Gubbi Gubbi
Cultural Diversity Report – Land of the Gubbi Gubbi
The aim of this paper is to research, analyse and assess available information regarding the Sunshine Coast Indigenous Gubbi Gubbi nation, in particular, the ease of access to information; the currency and scope of available information; and to develop a conclusion regarding the validity of examined resources.
Background
The traditional landowners of the Sunshine Coast are the people of the Gubbi Gubbi nation. Gubbi Gubbi is the language that united 20 clans, which each consisted of between 150 and 500 people. The most prominent of these clans were the Nalbo, Dallambara, Kabi and Undanbi. Their estate, or dyungungoo, extend from Pine River at the southern boundary, to Burrum River at the north, and the Conondale ranges in the west (Indigenous History of Maroochy, n.d.). This expanse allowed for groups to travel following seasonal availability of plant and aquatic food sources.
Culture
Gubbi Gubbi society was deeply generous and gregarious. Clans would gather regularly to feast and celebrate special ceremonies such as initiations, marriages and festivals. The most significant of these was the Bunya gathering held every three years in the Bunya Mountains to celebrate the fruiting of the sacred Bunya trees. A smaller yearly gathering was held on the Blackall Range in the area now known as Baroon Pocket Dam (Kerkhove, 1986).
The land was the fundamental basis for spiritual, cultural and physical life; the spirits of ancestors were believed to co-exist on earth in the form of animals, plant, marine and rock formations. This ensured their connection with current and future generations. Each clan had their own ancestral totem to which they would be appointed as custodians. Totemic guardianship rights were passed on from generation to generation (Adams, 2000).
Authority within a clan was attained due to the strength of one’s relationship with the land and sea. An Elder’s intimate,
The aim of this paper is to research, analyse and assess available information regarding the Sunshine Coast Indigenous Gubbi Gubbi nation, in particular, the ease of access to information; the currency and scope of available information; and to develop a conclusion regarding the validity of examined resources.
Background
The traditional landowners of the Sunshine Coast are the people of the Gubbi Gubbi nation. Gubbi Gubbi is the language that united 20 clans, which each consisted of between 150 and 500 people. The most prominent of these clans were the Nalbo, Dallambara, Kabi and Undanbi. Their estate, or dyungungoo, extend from Pine River at the southern boundary, to Burrum River at the north, and the Conondale ranges in the west (Indigenous History of Maroochy, n.d.). This expanse allowed for groups to travel following seasonal availability of plant and aquatic food sources.
Culture
Gubbi Gubbi society was deeply generous and gregarious. Clans would gather regularly to feast and celebrate special ceremonies such as initiations, marriages and festivals. The most significant of these was the Bunya gathering held every three years in the Bunya Mountains to celebrate the fruiting of the sacred Bunya trees. A smaller yearly gathering was held on the Blackall Range in the area now known as Baroon Pocket Dam (Kerkhove, 1986).
The land was the fundamental basis for spiritual, cultural and physical life; the spirits of ancestors were believed to co-exist on earth in the form of animals, plant, marine and rock formations. This ensured their connection with current and future generations. Each clan had their own ancestral totem to which they would be appointed as custodians. Totemic guardianship rights were passed on from generation to generation (Adams, 2000).
Authority within a clan was attained due to the strength of one’s relationship with the land and sea. An Elder’s intimate,
Bibliography: Adams, R. J. L. (2000). Noosa and Gubbi Gubbi: The Land, The People, The Conflict. Tewantin: Ultreya Publications. Caloundra City Council (2008). Maleny Community Precinct Approved Concept Plan Retrieved March 6, 2008, from http://www.caloundra.qld.gov.au/website/cityCouncil/strategies_plans/maleny_approved_concept_plan.asp Cooroora Historical Society Inc Davies, S.J. and Salmon, M. (1995). An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment of the eastern Portion of the Maroochy Shire. Queensland: The University of Queensland, St. Lucia. Foundation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (1999). Traditional owners join council in wetlands plan. Retrieved March 10, 2008, from Actionhttp://www.faira.org.au/lrq/archives/199912/stories/traditional-owners.html Gregory, H Gubbi Gubbi Dance (n.d.). Keeping Our Culture Strong. Retrieved March 5, 2008, from http://gubbigubbidance.com Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (2006) Kerkhove, R. (1986). Sunshine Coast Aboriginal Culture – Before the White Man. Noosa Shire Council. (2004). Indigenous Cultural Heritage Study of Noosa Shire. Noosa: Leddy Sergiacomi & Associates P/L Sunshine Coast Regional Council(n.d) Tainton, J. Rev. (1976). Marutchi: The Early History of the Sunshine Coast.