Preservation
At the heart of the Severn River, Ngarabal and Kwiambal Aboriginal Corporation’s mission is the preservation of our rich cultural heritage, traditions, and Country. This preservation extends across generations, ensuring our laws, customs, and deep-rooted connection to Country remain strong and vibrant. Through cultural education, ceremonies, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to uncovering and sharing our history, we strive to protect the legacy of the Ngarabal and Kwiambal peoples.
Cultural Education
Our Elders play a vital role in preserving our heritage by passing on traditional knowledge to our children and members of the Stolen Generations. They teach about ecosystems, laws, and customs that have guided our people for millennia. In this photo, Uncle Theo Wright is demonstrating how our ancestors mapped areas abundant with food sources—a vital skill that sustained our communities. Cultural camps are held annually on Country, allowing for hands-on learning and a deep reconnection to our roots.
Ceremony
Preservation of culture and heritage is rooted in the continuation of our ancient ceremonies. These rituals, passed down for generations, ground our children to Country and welcome them back home. By keeping these ceremonies alive, we honor our ancestors and ensure that our traditions remain a vital part of our identity and daily lives.
Protecting Our Environment
The preservation of our environment is central to our identity as custodians of the land. The Severn River and Beardy Plains belong to the Ngarabal language speakers and form an integral part of the Upper Darling Basin water catchment. For thousands of millennia, we have upheld the ancestral responsibility to protect and nurture this ecosystem. Preserving our rivers and the natural biome ensures a healthy environment for current and future generations, safeguarding our connection to Country and fulfilling our duty as custodians.
Uncovering Our History
The Corporation actively seeks to deepen our understanding of Ngarabal history and heritage. This pursuit of knowledge is key to preserving the legacy of our ancestors and sharing their stories with future generations. Our apical ancestors include figures such as King Schoolie Jack, who was born around 1820 and lived along the Severn River. His life was documented in various historical records, including Deepwater Station, and his passing in 1921 at Nucoorilma Aboriginal Mission Station was widely noted across New South Wales and Queensland.
Other prominent ancestors include Lucy Fraser, who married William Wright and later John Marlow 1st, and was born at Byron Station, Frasers Creek in approximately 1842. Julia Marno (also known as Marlow) was another notable ancestor, born at Deepwater and Ashford between 1852 and 1860, with her father serving as the Chief of Deepwater Station.
Preserving and sharing their stories ensures that their legacies continue to guide and inspire us.
Join Us in Our Preservation Efforts
Through cultural education, ceremony, environmental stewardship, and historical research, the Severn River, Ngarabal, and Kwiambal Aboriginal Corporation strives to preserve our heritage for future generations. Join us in honoring and protecting our traditions, land, and stories, ensuring that they continue to thrive and connect us to our ancestors and Country.