Alexandrina's Ngarrindjeri Fine Art

caring for ngarrindjeri ruwe

Philosophy

Caring for Ngarrindjeri Ruwe

Caring for Ngarrindjeri Ruwe—our lands, waters, and all living things—is central to our culture and identity. My great-grandmother, a wise and nurturing woman, passed this deep connection to the land and waters down through generations. She would take my mother fishing, collecting Coorong mullet and other fish to feed her large family.

These times were more than just moments of sustenance; they were moments of connection, teaching, and love.

My mother fondly recalls the refreshing sweetness of swimming in Ngarrindjeri waters, a vivid reminder of the bond between people and the natural world. Through her and my grandmother, I learned about the MeeWee spirit, a vital force that connects the land, body, soul, mind, and waters. MeeWee is the essence of life itself—a spiritual heart within all living things. As my grandmother explained, caring for MeeWee means caring for yourself and everything around you, for MeeWee is in all colours of the rainbow, in every form of nature, and in every heartbeat of life.

The teachings of MeeWee have been handed down through our family, shaped by the wisdom of our ancestors. My grandmother learned from her grandfather, who emphasised the importance of protecting and respecting waterways. These waters are not just physical spaces; they are lifelines that connect upstream and downstream communities, nourishing the people and the land. The health of one region impacts the health of another, underscoring the need for respect and harmony.

Our waterways are also pathways, guiding us to other regions and serving as places of gathering and unity. In the past, Ngarrindjeri people used these natural routes to travel for corrobborees and meetings, forging bonds between tribes and clans. Alongside these journeys, the waters provided an abundance of life, including freshwater fish, which sustained our communities.

The spirit of Thulang, like MeeWee, reminds us of the interconnectedness of all things. Thulang speaks through the bush, the birds, the flowers, the fish, and the streams. It reminds us to listen, to see, and to feel the life around us, for everything holds meaning and is part of the greater whole.

Caring for Ngarrindjeri Ruwe is not just about preservation; it is about honouring the spirit of life. When we protect our waterways, nurture our lands, and live in harmony with nature, we uphold the teachings of our ancestors and ensure the vitality of MeeWee for future generations.