Barapa Country through Barapa eyes: cultural mapping of Gunbower Island, Australia

Abstract

The Gunbower Yemurriki Map details important information about Barapa Country and Barapa people for the purpose of education. The Barapa are the Traditional Owners of the lands north and south of the Murray River around Cohuna, Australia and are working with natural resource agencies to identify and map cultural assets on traditional lands, particularly in relation to water resources. The Gunbower Yemurriki Map has been developed through participatory cultural mapping processes to demonstrate the community connection to water and the wider cultural landscape. Yemurriki is the Barapa word for Country. The map developed and presented in this study will be used to educate the local non-indigenous community about Barapa cultural values and to act as a teaching aid for younger Barapa people. The map depicts stories, totems, and places identified within the landscape. All the information included is what the Barapa consider public and educational.