I thought i would start this thread to try and learn more about this countries Indigenous Culture.

I know a little bit and i have heard a few stories- and i would love to hear more- so i thought i would start a sharing circle of Stories and other tid bits that people may like to share.

The first story i would like to share is the

Curlew and the Owl- Narunga; Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Owl, Winda was once a man who lived with his two large dogs in a cave in the cliffs. Everyday he would go out hunting. Near by on the beach lived two Curlews(wunlaru), husband and wife, with several young children. These two also used to go hunting, leaving their children behind.
One day, Owl seeing them gone, went to their camp and encouraged his dogs to eat their children; "There is meat for you, my dogs"
When the Curlew parents came back and saw the remains of their children, they dropped what they were carrying and wept bitterly- this is the call of the Curlew today. They burried what was left of their children, and promised eachother that they would be avenged. Curlew Man set off for the cliffs where Owl lived and in the near by scrub he met Kangaroo, Gudla. He persuaded Kangaroo to serve as a decoy. "You go and feed infront of owls cave, so he will see you. he will send one of his dogs out after you, but you run into the dense scrub. I'll be hiding in there> Leave the rest to me." Kangaroo did this and Curlew emerged from his hiding place and killed the dog with a club. The next day the same arrangements were made, and the second dog killed. On the third day Curlew Man climbed the cliff to the enterance of the Owls cave. Standing there, he called to Owl to come out and fight, but Owl would not answer. Nor would he come out. After waiting for some time, Curlew Man put a curse on him:
No one will like you
You will never go out in day time to get food
You will feed only at night
You will not be able to see in the light
You will not be able to see in the sun
Stay There stay there

So even today the owl lives in caves and dark places. Curlew returned to his wife "There is nothing else for us to do- our children are gone and we cant make any more" he said to his wife. so they turned themselves into Curlews, but they still mourn for their lost children.


That was a story form the Dream Time- translated in 1940
I hope that other people have some stories to share too...

Thankyou
StarBright