Oaks Harmony

Indigenous Sydney

The Indigenous people lived in Australia, for at least 40,000 ? 45,000 years before James Cook discovered the East Coast of Australia.

It is thought at least one million Aborigines lived in Australia, and there were approximately 300 languages spoken, not to mention their many dialects. So, really Australia was already a Nation and a fully populated country. Most of the Aborigines lived through various parts of Australia, and clans were important to their everyday existence, they were not always nomadic but used their skills in hunting.

There are three main language groups, the Dharug, Kuringai and Dhararawal in Sydney. They belonged to many clans including the Gadigal, Wangal, Wallumedegal, Boromedegal, Gamaragal, Borogegal, Birrabirragal and Gayamaygal. In Sydney alone, Sydney Harbour and the surrounding suburbs and through our national parks, we have more indigenous art than any city in the world.

The word Aboriginal is an English word the Europeans used to describe our earliest inhabitants. The aborigines are proud people, which are shown through their flag and knowledge of their beloved country and homeland. The Aboriginal flag is red, black and yellow which now hang proudly in unison with the Australian National flag.

On May the 26th 1998 the Government recognized and formally apologized to the Aboriginal people and a National Sorry Day was celebrated with community activities and the signing of "sorry books". A day that our indigenous people accepted and a step was made towards reconciliation and admission of responsibility from the Australian Government , whom removed over 80,000 Aboriginal children from their parents and beloved tribes.Aboriginal Tours available in Sydney

Time: DAILY 10:45am and 12:45pm
Depart From: Eastern Pontoon, Circular Quay
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Includes: ? Informative and entertaining commentary of Sydney landmarks, their Aboriginal names and history.
? An Island visit
? Traditional welcome dance
? Light refreshments
Price:
(Incl. GST) Adults $55 per person
Children $45 per person
Children under 5 Free
Capacity: 45 passengers plus crew

Tickets: Sydney Visitor Centres
Free call: 1800 067 676
Sydney Ferries Booking Office
Wharf 2, Circular Quay
Tribal Warrior Association Inc.
Tel: 02 9699 3491