Part Three: Living the Story
Source: Dunggirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale, 2021
In the previous section, you were invited into a story—a story of land, conflict, and belonging. But being in the story is not a passive act. In Gumbaynggirr ways, stories are not just told; they are lived. To be part of a story includes taking responsibility for it, carrying it forward, and enacting its teachings.
Part three involves watching the clip above that is a story of the Dunggirr (Koala) Brothers and the caring song of the whale. This is a story from the area where Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Countries meet. It is a creation story that has been passed down for generations. Aunty Shaa Smith wants to pass it on to future generations so that it is never forgotten and that it is lived in Gumbaynggirr Country every day.
As you listen, you can ask yourself questions. What does Aunty Shaa’s map of Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Countries have in common with other maps you have seen before? How might it differ from other maps?
Why do you think Aunty Shaa has included information about her Uncles, Aunties, mother and grandmother on this map?
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Children’s Books
Smith S., Smith N., Marshall, H., Wright S., Daley L., and Hodge P. (2022) The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale, Allen & Unwin, Melbourne, Vic.
Marshall, UB with Yandaarra including Smith, S., Smith, H., and Carmady, E. (2025). Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track, Allen & Unwin, Melbourne, Vic.