A gathering of 300 people attended the Nharangga Cultural Day on Sunday, 5 May.

The celebration of Nharangga dhura (Narungga people), Nharangga banggara (Narungga Country) and culture was held at Minlagawi Gum Flat Reserve, Minlaton.

The event was hosted by Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association and Yorke Peninsula Council, endorsed by Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation, and supported with funding from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Country Arts SA and Red Cross.

The event began with a Welcome to Country by Bree and Maddi Warrior and Shanaid Sansbury

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“The crowd were jubilant when Uncle Peter Turner, Clem Newchurch and Pauly Dixon Jnr created fire using fire sticks to enable the Smoking Ceremony,” Environment Officer Letitia Dahl-helm said.

“The entire crowd lined up to walk through the cleansing smoke whilst enjoying glorious Wild Dog songs performed by Sonya Rankine in Narungga language,”

“A panel session led by Sonya Rankine to hear the Narungga voices of Auntie Lesley Wanganeen, Uncle Eddie Newchurch, Kylie O’Loughlin, Clem Newchurch, Jemika Wanganeen and Uncle Dookie O’Loughlin was a crowd highlight.

“Participants enjoyed delicious food featuring traditional ingredients and wattle seed tea from Nharangga Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Newchurch Family Farm, Auntie Daphne Rickett and Rick Slager.”

Narungga community members and artists Nikki Ashby, Tamiya and Skylah Sansbury, Bianca Newchurch, Mandi Faerie, Jay Milera, Craig Warrior, and Harley Hall offered activities from dance and face painting to art and boomerang throwing.

“Participants also printed their hands in ochre on kangaroo fur with Sarah Jane Hall and joined a guided walk with Uncle Peter Turner,” Mrs Dahl-helm said.

“Artists proudly sharing their art included Michael Wanganeen Jnr, Gladys Wanganeen, Jay Milera, and Sarah Jane Hall, with quite a few special pieces purchased at the artist market.

“The Nharangga Cultural Day was a huge success, and all supporters look forward to offering it again next year.”

The Nharangga Cultural Day planning group included Uncle Michael Wanganeen, Auntie Lesley Wanganeen, Jemika Wanganeen, Shane Warrior, Peter Turner, Sonya Rankine, Cathy Glazbrook and Letitia Dahl-helm.