Nharangga people advisor, Peter Turner, has been engaged by Council to assess the Barunga West region for evidence of Nharangga heritage, culture and lifestyle.
The Nharangga people have always lived on Yorke Peninsula, and their country extends as far north as Port Broughton and east to the Hummock Ranges.
However, to date most of the heritage work undertaken by Council has not comprehensively assessed Nharangga heritage.
“Barunga West Council is very keen to start a process to identify places of Nharangga heritage and identify an accurate picture of the Nharangga lifestyle, customs and environment,” Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope said.
“The work is a result of Council consulting with the Nharangga community. The findings will be celebrated along walking trails with signage and links to smart phone videos and information that share stories of cultural significance, along with the region’s rich maritime and agricultural history, which is already well documented.”
Ms Wauchope said an initial survey had found some scarred trees and fragile reminders of the region’s Nharangga culture and lifestyle that require further investigation, as well as Indigenous flora and fauna.
Nharangga people caused scars on trees by removing bark for various purposes. These trees are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.
Council also is consulting with the Nharangga people on art and language content for the Civic Square project at Port Broughton. Community consultation undertaken by Barunga West Council last year found most respondents supported more flags, symbols and signs to acknowledge the Nharangga people, including symbols, totems and public art, along with the inclusion of Nharangga language.