<
https://theconversation.com/humpback-whales-hold-lore-for-traditional-custodians-but-laws-dont-protect-species-for-their-cultural-significance-213073>
"For saltwater people of Australia’s east and west coasts, humpback whales hold
important lore in the form of stories.
For the Yuin people of the east coast, this story is one of a binding promise
between whales (Gurawal) and people, as our old mentor and Elder, Uncle Max
Harrison taught us.
The ancestors of the whales lived on Country with our old people. One day,
Gurawal went to the Elders and asked to be allowed to live in Gadu, the ocean.
The Elders agreed on the condition that Gurawal would hold the lore of the
ocean, returning it to the land when required, just as the people would hold
the lore of the land.
When Gadu rose up and covered significant parts of Country – when Bass Strait
flooded and Tasmania became an island – Yuin people were confused and fearful.
But, as Gadu engulfed the plains and swept up toward the mountains, Gurawul
came to their aid, blowing bubbles to show a clear path. In this way, Gurawul
led the people to safety on the higher grounds of Country, keeping the promise
that had been made to the Elders.
This species and its story are of special significance to Yuin people. It’s
similar to how dingoes are held in high regard for many mobs who consider them
to be spiritual relatives. That’s why those mobs have called for an end to the
routine killing of dingoes.
But to date, the ability to list species of cultural significance is not
possible under Australian law. It’s time for that to change."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
