Mungo National Park is a deeply spiritual place for Barkandji/Paakantyi, Mutthi Mutthi and Ngiyampaa peoples. The ancient landscape, filled with striking formations and rolling sand dunes, once contained freshwater lakes and was inhabited by the communities of the oldest continuous Culture in the world. The annual Lake Mungo Cultural Camp is an on-Country experience giving young people in the Buldau Yioohgen program the opportunity to connect with their identity and Culture in this sacred place.
Aunty Kellie Hunter and Uncle Les Corlett ran activities for the young Mob in Moulamein along the Edwards river with the help of Wamba Wamba Elder Uncle Ron Murray, before heading to Mungo National Park. The week-long camp included a variety of immersive experiences such as fishing, astronomy and camping by the fire.
The program is designed to build resilience, camaraderie and leadership skills in a culturally safe environment. Since Buldau Yioohgen’s last visit a year ago, the reburials of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady have taken place, bringing a deeper sense of connection to the land they walked upon. During a sunset tour of the landscape, the group performed Ceremony on-Country together with their feet in the sand.
Two volunteers from Anglicare Victoria (AV), Mel and Josh, supported the Buldau Yioohgen team. “We learned about the unique ways Aboriginal people utilised the land and why it holds such a profound connection to them,” said Josh, reflecting on his time with the young people.
Mel shared similar thoughts about her time in Mungo National Park. “It was so inspiring to see them connect with and embrace their culture over our time away, and the way they expressed such respect to Aunty Kellie, Uncle Les, Elders, staff and the volunteers,” she said.
“Mungo National Park proves beyond any doubt that Aboriginal people are the oldest living groups of peoples in the world. The young people sense they are walking in the blood of their ancestors of over 50,000 years,” said David Law, our Buldau Yioohgen Program Manager.
