The CLLMM region holds deep cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri Nation and First Nations of the South-East, who have called it home for thousands of years. Their knowledge is crucial for the CLLMM Research Centre to understand the impacts of climate change, as their oral histories and creation stories offer valuable insights into sustainable living and environmental interactions in the region.
The Centre is committed to respecting and integrating First Nations knowledge into its research, fostering collaboration that combines scientific and traditional wisdom. This approach supports First Nations' well-being and ensures culturally appropriate participation in research, knowledge sharing, and educational activities.
A message from our First Nations Engagement Officer, Kyla McHughes
Our nga:tji is our totem, it is our spirit connection and friend. Our nga:tji are passed down through our lakinyeri, our family. We do not see our nga:tji as food; instead, we nurture them and ensure that everything our nga:tjar—our totems—require remains abundant. This involves understanding their needs: what they eat, how they nest, their fertility requirements, whether they are aquatic or need clean water, their shelter needs, potential predators, and any risks they may face. It is our responsibility to safeguard everything vital to our nga:tji.
In return, our nga:tji guide and protect us. We are deeply connected through our mi:wi —our spirit. This connection ties us to all living things around us: animals, birds, fish, plants, trees, our land, waters, and each other.
For more information on our First Nations engagement read more here.