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We people of
Manyallaluk welcome
you to come
and share our culture
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All
eyes
of the small group of visitors are focused intently on the dark
expressive face of Manual Pamkal framed by his broad brimmed stockman's
hat. Crouched by the trickling stream feeding a small pool this
senior Aboriginal man, president of the community council and head
guide, is speaking in soft modulated tones telling the frog dreaming
story which is the essence of Manyallaluk. The day’s activities
have involved learning about the food and medicinal qualities of
the diverse plants and trees of the area, how to make bush string
from the bark of the Kurrajong tree, matching spear throwing skills
with the deadly accuracy of guides like Peter or Richard, painting
your own picture with traditional ochres and fine hair brushes made
from reeds and marvelling at the pandanus weaving skills of Lorraine,
Brenda and Mary Ann.
Sitting
under the spreading shade of a huge Mango tree, the group is well
sated on a lunch of ground oven cooked kangaroo tail, fresh backed
damper bread, Barramundi wrapped in paper bark and an array of
fresh salad washed down with large mugs of black billy tea. After
seven years of dedication and effort, a committed group of this
small Aboriginal community have crafted an enriching experience
to enthral and educate an ever growing number of visitors from
all parts of the world. From just camping and enjoying the ambience
of this special place to joining the regular one day cultural
tour or going on a special charter to the stone country, rock
art and waterhole in the backcountry, Manyallaluk is one of the
gems of experiencing Aboriginal Australia.
Good travelling!
Joc
Schmiechen
Manyallaluk
is a 3,000 square kilometre property in the Northern
Territory bordered by Arnhem Land, Nitmiluk National Park and
Kakadu National Park and was formerly known as the Eva Valley
cattle station with a history dating back to the early 1900s.
The property is owned and operated by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people.
The name of the community today, Manyallaluk, refers to a Frog
Dreaming site just to the east of the community. The Jawoyn landowners
share their community and traditional ceremonial relationships
with people from the Mayali, Ngalkbon and Rembarrnga Language
groups.
Today
Manyallaluk is at the forefront of Aboriginal tourism and is the
only indigenous operator to have won a place in the Tourism Hall
of Fame for winning three consecutive national tourism awards.
Manuel
Pamkal, Chief Guide and one of the founding members of this unique
tourism enterprise, proudly states that this exciting venture
has provided self-determination and employment to the community
of Manyallaluk. “Through tourism we are keeping our culture
alive by sharing it with visitors and passing it to our children”.
The
Manyallaluk Experience is a sharing experience. It gives you the
unique opportunity to meet people in their environment, showing
and sharing with you a culture that dates back beyond 40,000 years.
You will be made to feel welcome and your time spent at Manyallaluk
will be relaxed and comfortable. All tours are designed for you
to become involved and have a go yourself.
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