Tanderrum

The clans of the Eastern Kulin

WURUNDJERI

The five clans of the Central Kulin share many customs, beliefs and language. The name of each clan ends in ‘wurrung’ meaning mouth or lips, indicating that they each clans identity is based on its language. Wurundjeri is an exception to this rule as Wurundjeri was the last remaining clan group of Woiwurrung speakers and now use the umbrella term Wurundjeri to identify under. The original clans being Wurundjeri-balluk, Balluk-wilam, Marin-balluk, Kurungjang-buluk and Wurundjeri-wilam.

The traditional lands of the Wurundjeri include the Birrarung (Yarra River) watershed from the Yarra Valley to Melbourne. In times of plenty, large gatherings occurred between different language groups, called Tanderrum. These were for trade, initiation, marriage exchange, to discuss politics and to have a feast and celebration in honour of friendship and the time of plenty.

An integral part of the Tanderrum is the highly valued walertwalert (possum skin cloak). Traditionally you are wrapped in one at birth, in initiation ceremonies, at marriage and you are buried with your cloak. With the resurgence of Wurundjeri ceremony and cloak making, they are still being used in Wurundjeri ceremonies today.

BOON WURRUNG

The Boon Wurrung are the traditional people and custodians of the lands from the Werribee River to Wilson Promontory. The Boon Wurrung were an extended language-based family group, consisting of six clans: Yallukit Willam, Ngaruk Willam, Mayune Baluk, Boon Wurrung Balug, Yownegerra and the Yallock Balluk. They were part of the larger confederation or nation of the Kulin (the people).

The Boon Wurrung has a very strong and detailed oral history that recalled events estimated to be 10,000 years old. The descendants of the Boon Wurrung continue to live in the greater Melbourne area and take an active role in maintaining and protecting their cultural heritage.

The land of the Boon Wurrung was protected by Bundjil who travelled as an eagle. The waterways were protected by Waang who travelled as a crow. Looern, a demi-god of the Boon Wurrung protected Wamoon, the land we now call Wilson’s Promontory.

TAUNGURUNG

The Taungurung people are closely affiliated with neighbouring tribes, through language, ceremonies and kinship ties. Taungurung are part of the Kulin Nation. The Kulin Nation mob also share common dreamtime ancestors and creation stories, religious beliefs and economic and social relationships. The Taungurung people share a common bond in moiety with the other tribes.

Our world was divided into two moieties: Waang (Crow) and Bunjil (Wedge Tail Eagle). The Taungurung people utilised the resources available in our vast Country. Our Ancestors had an intimate knowledge of their environment and were able to sustain the ecology of each region and exploit the food available.

WADAWURRUNG

The Wadawurrung lived right across Wadawurrung country according to seasonal food sources, ceremonial obligations and trading relationships. The people conscientiously managed their land and waterways. They lived sustainably, cultivating root vegetables, bush medicines and other plants. They promoted grasslands and wild flowers by using controlled burns, eliminating the risk of wildfires. Fire was also good for hunting out game.

They were particularly good at cultivating and harvesting Old Man Weed, which is a very effective healing plant used for curing colds and chest infections.

The Creation Stories and the spiritual places which can be found right across Wadawurrung land are testament to the way the people lived in harmony with the environment. This strong sense of spirituality and connection with the land enabled the Wadawurrung people to survive in a constantly changing landscape. They continue this tradition today.

DJA DJA WURRUNG

Djaara means people of the Dja Dja Wurrung speaking language group. Dja Dja Wurrung people have lived on our traditional lands and cared for our Country over many thousands of years. For us, Country is more than just the landscape, it is more than what is visible to the eye—it is a living entity, which holds the stories of creation and histories that cannot be erased.

Our dreaming stories of Djandak (Country) explain the creation of our lands and how Dja Dja Wurrung people evolved. Bundjil (Wedge Tail Eagle), is our creator and helps us to understand our connections to each other through his law. Mindi, the giant serpent, is his enforcer implementing the laws and ceremonies that ensure the continuation of life.