Conservation > Rivers & wetlands > Coorong, Lower Lakes & Murray Mouth region > Ngarrindjeri culture

Ngarrindjeri culture

The Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region and surrounding areas represent the central homelands of the Ngarrindjeri people.

The region is key to Ngarrindjeri culture and spiritual beliefs. Creation stories (cultural and spiritual histories) about Yarluwar-Ruwe (Sea Country) reveal the significance of the relationship between the country and the people both physically and spiritually.

Ngarrindjeri see all things connected - body, country and spirit - through their philosophy of Ruwe/Ruwar.

Freshwater flows down the Murray-Darling system are seen by the Ngarrindjeri as the life blood of the living body of the River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong, and the wellbeing of the Ngarrindjeri people is linked to the health of the region. Ngarrindjeri seek a return of healthy and clean water to their country that sustains Ngarrindjeri livelihoods.

The Ngarrindjeri are committed to their country. They have made significant efforts over many years to be part of managing the region's environment in response to drought and over-allocation.

Through the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority, the Ngarrindjeri work closely with DENR to develop and deliver the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Program.

Further resources:

• Ngarrindjeri Nation Yarluwar-Ruwe (Sea Country) Plan.
• Kungun Ngarrindjeri Yunnan Agreement (3.87mb pdf).