Ngunnawal Dreamtime Pathway
Long before Burruguun became the echidna we know today, he was a beautiful bare-skinned animal whose dark colouring stood out amongst the rainbow colours of the land. His story has been shared through generations in Ngunnawal Dreamtime traditions.
Long ago in the Dreamtime, Burruguun was a beautiful animal with dark skin that stood out amongst the rainbow colours of the land. Unlike the other animals, he was bare skinned. While Burruguun was admired for his appearance, he was also known for being lazy and fond of playing tricks on those around him.
This Floriade, we invite you to journey with us through the story of Burruguun and discover how he came to be the echidna we know today.
Travel back to a time when the animals worked together to gather food from Country. As they set out to collect food for a great feast and ceremony, Burruguun chose to remain behind.
“It is way too hot to go and collect food,” he said. “I will stay here and watch over what you collect. We don’t want anyone to take it, do we?”
As the day went on, the animals returned with more and more food. Burruguun watched over their harvest as the smells drifted through the air. The food looked good, and the longer he sat amongst it, the hungrier he became.
The animals warned Burruguun not to eat the food, but temptation can be difficult to resist.
Follow the trail as the story unfolds and discover what happened when Burruguun gave in to his hunger. See how his actions angered the other animals, sending him fleeing across the landscape in search of safety.
As you journey through the experience, uncover how Burruguun’s attempt to escape punishment led him into the thick bushes and changed him forever.
Through the story of Burruguun, we share knowledge and stories that have been passed down through generations. Walk with us through the Dreamtime, see the landscape through Ngunnawal eyes, and discover how Burruguun came to carry his spikes to this day.
Richie Allan – Ngunnawal Knowledge Holder
Brought to you by
At the heart of Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s purpose is our desire to inspire and enable all Australians to contribute to the reconciliation of the nation. We are an Aboriginal organisation, owned and controlled by the Traditional Owners of the Ngunnawal Nation. We were established approximately twenty years ago, firstly in a voluntary capacity and then professionally.
We have extensive experience in modelling workplace and education programs. We collaborate with Aboriginal organisations, and the education and corporate sector to provide training and support services, encapsulating cultural competency.
We also specialise in the Reconciliation space, with expertise in Reconciliation Action Plan development, implementation and audit. We work with organisations to deliver both theory-based and practical programs. Our methods are reaping rewards within the corporate world and providing a better understanding between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Special thanks to Ben Uphill.
ShapeScaper’s 230mm Redcor Steel Garden Edging is a flexible weathering steel product that develops a protective rusty “corten” patina, offering earthy rustic tones with smooth-flowing or angular bends. ShapeScaper has contributed this edging to the Head and Tail of the Ngunnawal Dreamtime Pathway.
Yarralumla Nursery is proud to have supplied all the native plant species featured across the six garden beds of the Ngunnawal Dreamtime Pathway, celebrating connection to Country and the beauty of our unique flora.
CIT Horticulture Staff have helped bring to life the Dreamtime Story of Burruguun, collaborating with Floriade, Richie Allen and Yarralumla Nursery, building connections throughout the process and honouring the long tradition of storytelling by First Nations people.
Staff designed the gardens to depict this story of creation through the vibrant and ever-changing textures and colour of Australian Native Plants from across the country. This installation demonstrates the creativity and skills of CIT Horticulture, while celebrating the enduring wisdom of frist nations storytelling through a living artwork that visitors can experience and enjoy.
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