GADIGAL PEOPLE; 'EORA' NATION
'Ee' (yes) + 'Ora' (here)
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With deep respect, I acknowledge the Indigenous People of the Sydney Basin area; past, present & emerging.
The 'Eora' are the Traditional Custodians of the Sydney Metropolitan area & shorelines (Gadigal Land).
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Illustration by convict Joseph Lycett
'Distant View of Sydney' in 1825
National Library of Australia
LIFESTYLE
LAND
RITUALS
INITIATION
The Eora lived in huts made from tree branches, sticks and vines. Alternatively, they lived inside rock caves and shelters. They spent several months at one campsite. Food was fresh and plentiful. The weather was wonderful, all year round.
The Eora were nomadic and moved across Country. This allowed the land to regenerate; a simple & sustainable practice. They had a symbiotic relationship with everything around them. Elders in the community had special connection to certain areas of their Country; though, they were still nomadic, traveling for land regeneration, social reasons & for ceremonies.
Eora believe in an Afterlife. They have specific rituals to commemorate people and to celebrate the spirit of loved ones when they pass on. Young people were buried and older people were cremated. Elders were put to rest with items that may have been important to them when they were living, ie. spear, jewellery etc.
Initiation ceremonies were held to facilitate the transition from boy to man. During initiation, the boy is trained in the skills, beliefs and knowledge he needed for his role in the community, as an adult in Aboriginal society. Some initiation ceremonies involved knocking their front tooth out. The missing tooth was a sign to others, that this man had been initiated. Some men may also have they ears or nose pierced. Initiation is incredibly private and only attended by men. Women were forebidden to be present. Equally, women's ceremonies took place for women only.
THE SALTWATER PEOPLE
The Eora is made up of several clan groups. The coastal collective of Aboriginals along Sydney's East, are known as the 'Saltwater People'.
The name obviously suggests a relationship between the ocean and its beaches. 'Saltwater' serves well to seperate the coastal dwellers and those who roamed further in-land.
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Image: an artwork set at Fairy Bower from Saltwater People of the Broken Bays; Sydney's Northern Beaches.
The Saltwater People cared for the land & shorelines
that I grew up on; where I lived, work & play today.
PRE-COLONISATION
The vast area of land between the Hawksbury River and the deep harbour known to Europeans as Port Jackson was home to many Aboriginal People living in harmony with their coastal environment for tens of thousands of years. Aboriginal history in Sydney pre-dates the harbour itself! It was once a river valley. Where the Saltwater People once fished & collected food is now deep beneath the sea.
At the end of the last ice-age, the river valley was flooded. The ocean at Barrenjoey Headland; a thin strip of land is considered one of the most dramatic peninsulas on Earth (today).
Illustration by convict Joseph Lycett
SURVIVAL
Like all Indigenous Cultures, the Saltwater People were heavily dependant on their environment for survival.
They relied on the ocean & waterways for the bulk of their diet; fish & shellfish. Their muscular build & longevity may have been due to their healthy canoe culture & fresh seafood diets. Their water skills were well recognised. Both men & women could dive to considerable depths to search for crayfish & abalone.
Men & boys fished from canoes & on rocks from the shoreline. Men used their hands & wooden spears to collect fish. Archaeological evidence suggests that Aboriginal women became more involved with fishing upon the invention of the shell-hook & line. Other documents & diaries describe how Aboriginal women further north (in Port Stephens) created fishing line from the bark of Kurrajong trees.
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It is estimated that seafood made up 80% of their diet. Saltwater People also enjoyed a variety of meat, including kangaroo, birds, lizards, bees, worms & snakes. Native fruits & vegetables (which are still sourced today) included lilly-pilli, figs, native cherry & Waratah (emblem for New South Wales). Their diet was in stark contrast to the commoner in Europe at the time, whom had far less variety & sustenance on their dinner plate.
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The Saltwater People gathered food for part of their day, whilst also allowing time for rest, ritual and relationships (socialisation). Aboriginal People have been practising 'balance' from the beginning of time.
Illustration by convict Joseph Lycett | National Library of Australia
SALTWATER SPIRITUALITY
Wander the bushland, the mangrove creeks, the tidal lagoons along the sandstone cliffs & rock platforms of Sydney. Sit & listen to the sea from a hidden cave, on the sandy dunes or on high rocky headlands covered in grass, plants & trees; and this great ancient land will speak to you too.
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The Saltwater People moved about the landscape. The land was everything to them and they believed it to be shaped by their Ancestral Beings. Creation stories were handed down from generation to generation; through song, dance & ceremony. Similar to other Aboriginal Cultures in Australia, every Saltwater person was assigned a totem at birth; derived from the natural world (plant, animal or landmark). Their totem became an extension of their soul; part of their identity. This brought about a responsibility to protect their totem at all costs; whether it be the eagle, fish, an echidna, the platypus, a plant, tree or object.
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Ceremonies ie. Initiation (when a boy becomes a man) and Burials (when someone passes away) were supervised by Elders; warriors & healers. These men had to pass through many initiations; including ritual circumcision, scarification, septum piercing & incisor removal (teeth) to achieve their status. They were highly respected.
Illustration by convict Joseph Lycett | National Library of Australia
SACRED SITES & STORIES
Traditional life in Sydney was interrupted by European invasion and the effects on their communities were devastating. Many people believe that the remains of the Saltwater People is the shellfish middens (pits of empty shells, left over from centuries of seafood barbeques on the beach). Modern day building of houses, roads, infrastructure & developments have destroyed many of the Aboriginal sites in Sydney. There are some Sacred Eora sites in Sydney that are still standing on the harbour & shorelines. Stories have been left behind in rock paintings & engravings all over the Sydney Basin. For more information, locations & photos of Sacred sites you can visit, click here.
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Paintings don't only depict their history but also tell stories about lizards, birds, kangaroos, echidnas, sharks, fish, whales and all things that were a part of their natural life. Astronomers & Aboriginal People (today) confirm sophisticated Indigenous knowledge which included an awareness of our planets and their ability to use stars for navigation.
EUROPEAN INVASION
The East Coast of Australia was the last piece of the puzzle for European explorers mapping the 'newly discovered' Great Southern Land. The Dutch completed much of the hard work, charting the continents immense coastline in 1606. The Dutch encounter with Australia was brief and there wasn't significant interaction between Aboriginals & Europeans during this time as they Dutch deemed Australia inhospitable; lacking resources they were seeking at the time; thus did not colonise Australia.
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Much later in 1770, HMS Endeavour arrived at Botany Bay (Sydney). Captain James Cook & his crew stayed in the area for a total lof 8 days and had dramatic impact on Australian history. He deemed Botany Bay unsuitable for settlement, so he continued his explorations up the eastern coast; making significant contributions to the understanding of Australia's geography. Cook promptly claimed all that he surveyed in the name of the King of England.
Upon arrival, Cook observed a 'sparsely populated land'. He documented sightings of small native gatherings sitting around campfires and various groups of people fishing. Cook did not feel a need to consult with the Indigenous People of Australia, even though he had been requested to do so by the British Crown. Even if he did take the time to communicate with the locals, the Saltwater People would have had difficulty understanding (language barriers) & comprehending the colonial concept of land ownership.
Copyright: © National Museum of Australia, All Rights Reserved.
Cook & Joseph Banks (the accompanying botanist) incorrectly determined the remainder of the Australian continent. They documented that areas away from the coastline were totally uninhabited; despite never traveling to these remote parts of Australia. They drew such conclusions assuming limited food & water. This perception was inaccurate, as Indigenous Australians had inhabited & managed various landscapes across the continent for thousands of years.
TERRA NULLIUS
'Terra Nullius' is a Latin term meaning 'nobody's land' or 'land belonging to no one'. Click here to learn more.
This concept was used to justify the colonisation of Australia by the British, asserting that the continent was uninhabited or without a legal owner, as per European Laws. This perspective ignored the presence of Indigenous People(s).
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Eddie Mabo was a Meriam man, Indigenous to the Torres Strait Islands. He was a passionate advocate for Indigenous Land Rights and his efforts significantly contributed to a shift in Australian law, recognising the historical & ongoing connection of Indigenous Australians to their Traditional Lands. In 1982, Mabo and others challeneged the notion of Terra Nullius. 10 years later in 1992, the High Court of Australia ruled in favour of Mabo, thus overturning the concept of Terra Nullius. This decision acknowledged the existence of Native Title and marked a significant step forwards; recognising & protecting Indigenous Land Rights in Australia.
COLONISATION
Australia was considered a suitable location for a penal colony by the British for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was seen as a way to alleviate overcrowded prisons in England. Establishing a penal colony in Australia offered the possibility of relocating convicts to a distant location. Secondly, the discovery of Australia by Captain Cook & subsequent explorers provided an opportunity for territorial expansion & strategic positioning in the Pacific. The British government believed that Australia could help secure British interests in the region.
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'The First Fleet' refers to the group of 11 ships that sailed from Britain to Australia in 1787 that carried the first European settlers in Australia; who would establish the first penal colony in Australia. Led by Captain Arthur Phillip, the fleet carried approximately 1400 people including convicts, marines, free settlers, livestock and supplies. Amongst these men, was my Ancestor; Thomas Bullmore.
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The First Fleet landed in Botany Bay on January 18, 1788, however after exploring the area, Captain Phillip decided to relocate the settlement to Port Jackson, where they arrived on January 26, 1788. This marked the beginning of European settlement in Australia and had profound lasting impacts.
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January 26th is celebrated annually as 'Australia Day' by many Australians today. This date is also recognised as 'Invasion Day'; a day of mourning for many Indigenous Australians and their allies. January 26th represents a painful reminder of the negative impacts of colonisation including dispossession, violence & Cultural disruption. I encourage you to use the terms 'Invasion Day' or 'Survival Day' to highlight & protest ongoing effects of European colonisation on Indigenous communities.
This painting depicts the very moment that Governor Phillip (in the centre of the painting) proposed a toast to King George III, on the evening of 26 January 1788.
This was the day that the First Fleet moved from Botany Bay to Sydney Cove.
This artwork commissioned by the founder of the Australasian Pioneers Club and painted by minor British impressionist Algernon Talmage.
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I acknowledge the pain & discomfort this image may bring to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander viewers.
AUSTRALIAN COASTLINES
European occupation in Australia began on the continents edges, determined by the ships that connected us to the rest of the world. Approximately 90% of the Australia population today STILL reside on our coastlines.
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The ocean was frightening for early British mariners & colonists. Shipwrecks & drownings were common. It would take many generations of water-people to become as comfortable in the oceans as the Saltwater People were. If earlt explorers listened to the Traditional Custodians of the land, they may have taught us about protecting its valuable resources. If only the Europeans acknowledged the sustainable environmental practises of our Aboriginal Ancestors...
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There is now a growing awareness that our modern world as we know it today, is off-balance. The natural beauty of out stunning coastlines are under threat. It's obvious that the Saltwater People and Traditional Custodians of all parts of Australia protected this country. It was a priority. As a collective, we need to re-think our approach to living and consumerism. We MUST preserve out coastlines for future generation.
EUROPEAN IMPACTS ON INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
Within only a few years of European arrival, the Traditional Life of the Saltwater People had been virtually destroyed by the impact of disease & disruption to sustainable food harvesting (hunting & gathering). In the begining, the Eora remained peaceful * showed no desire to drive out the colonisers. In fact, they showed little interest in the invaders' getting on with their uncomplicated lives. When it became clear that the visitors were here to stay, the initial tentative welcome towards to British settlers shown by the Aboriginal People soon turned to misunderstanding & hostility. Afterall, the colonists invaded their territory & competed for natural resources; food, land, water.
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The two groups had completely different views of the world; compunded by difficult language barriers. The Saltwater People considered their land to be communal territory, where as the British concept of land bestowed individual ownership. The relationship between the opposing groups worsened when Governer Arthur Phillip resorted to kidnapping an Aboriginal man in attempt to learn more about their Culture. A strange way to forge a relationship with the locals.
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Smallpox made its way into Australia which reach epidemic proportions amongst Aboriginal communities. The once healthy wider Eora territories had NO immunity to European diseases and the epidemic estimated to kill over half the Aboriginal population; with that figure climbing as high as 90% in some communities.
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The Saltwater People (and Aboriginal People(s) Australia wide) suffered both physically & psychologically from the trauma of invasion. Within only 2 years of settlement, European occupation had dispossessed them, not only of their Traditional food & water supplies, but also severed their spiritual bond to Country. Invasion shattered kinship ties in the area & completely de-established their society & Traditional way of life.
SALTWATER SEAFEARES
Following the epidemic of smallpox and the breakdown of Traditional Life, remnants of various Saltwater People began to amalgamate into a group that became known as the 'Broken Bay' clan. They retreated to Blak camps close to freshwater creeks & estuaries in less populated parts of Sydney's Northern Beaches, ie. Narrabeen. Coming from canoe culture, with saltwater running through their veins & a part of their Tradition, many Aboriginal men reacted to the disposession by seeking work on sailing ships. Ironically, these were the same ships that brought in the settlers & the disease that devastated their Traditional life.
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Saltwater People embarked on voyages across the globe and played a significant role in Australia's early maratime histpry. With remarkable resilience, they became guides, go-betweens, boatmen, sailors, sealers, steersmen, whalers, pilots & trackers. They were valued for their skills & knoweldge. By the end of the 18th century, Aboriginal seafearers had ventured to England, North America, Hawaii & India.
Bungaree became the first known Aboriginal man to circumnavigate Australia with non-Indigenous Matthew Flinders between 1801 & 1803.
Bungaree played a significant role in communicating between the Eora & Europeans.
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He was often seen wearing a mix-match of Aboriginal & European clothing / items.
He is remembered as a prominent figure in the early history of Indigenous-European interactions in the beginning of 'Australia'.
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Image: courtesy of the Australian Museum.
EORA DECENDANTS
Contrary to popular belief, there are many Saltwater descendants still living on the coastlines of Sydney. At the beginning of the 20th century, Aboriginal families were still living together in secluded areas. These areas include behind Manly Lagoon, at Beauty Point in Mosman (near the Spit) & near Narrabeen Lagoon.
Saltwater descendants still lived along the sea cliffs and hunted wallaby, long-neck tortoises, eel & fish. Despite dispossession of land & hounding from police, descendants lived around the Narrabeen area up until the late 1950's. They survived with odd jobs and collected oysters to sell at the Narrabeen tram stop. Shacks that belonged to 20 or so families in the area were demolished in 1959 to make way for the New South Wales Academy of Sport.
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Traditional Aboriginal Culture lives on today through place names & half-told stories. Today, some schools teach Aboriginal Culture(s) but many (most) do not. Many 'Australians' are unaware of the rich Cultural history of the places we call home. Fortunately, Aboriginal History & Culture is studied by many academics & a sense of pride in this heritage has slowly developed over time.
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Many Eora descendants of today maintain rich Cultural Traditions including language, art & storytelling, whilst navigating contemporary challenges. Many Eora People are actively involved in Cultural revitalisation efforts, intend to preserve Country and pass on Traditional knowledge to younger generations. Additionally, some individuals advocate for Indigenous Rights, land management & broader social issues such as social disparity, health inequities, Cultural disconnection, mental & health challenges.
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Efforts are being made to address these issues through these community driven initiatives, alongside government policy reforms & increased awareness of the challenges that Aboriginal Australians face today. Advocacy for Indigenous Rights, reconciliation and Cultural preservation are ongoing priorities.
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It is important to recognise the diversity among Indigenous communities across Australia, including the Eora, and to approach discussions about contemporary Indigenous life with respect for their rich Cultural heritage and the ongoing impact of historical events on their communities.
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Do your own research, learn about the Traditional People of the places you visit in Australia, tread lightly with purpose and learn how to become an ally for Indigenous Australians by clicking here.
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Listen to iconic Australian (Saltwater) musician - Christina Anu on Spotify.
Click here for my Indigenous Australian Spotify Playlist.