Traditional culture 'on country' with Stuart McMinn

There are literally thousands of Aboriginal sites recorded around Sydney including shell middens, engravings, rock art, tools, tool making sites, scarred trees, fish traps, stone arrangements and ceremonial grounds - just to name a few. All of these providing not only a tangible connection to the rich Aboriginal heritage of the region but also continue to play a role in the living cultures of local indigenous communities in the area.

In order to learn more about Aboriginal culture and their connection to cultural sites, Gone Bush VIPs recently enjoyed an 'on country' experience with local Darug Aboriginal man, Stuart McMinn, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (25km north of Sydney).

Stuart is an acclaimed cultural educator and international performer from the Dharug and Wakka Wakka Nations. Stuart has spent many years walking country across Australia, following sacred song lines and embracing his indigenous heritage while learning about bush foods, medicines, ancient philosophy, wisdom and sustainable living.

Learning about culture, the local environment and ecology from an indigenous perspective with Stuart McMinn

Following along traditional song lines within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Staying hydrated on a hot summers day - the waterbottles were a Christmas gift to our VIPs

Stuart always happy to connect and answer questions from our VIPs about the sites and Aboriginal culture

Sheer excitement - being 'on country' and visiting cultural sites with a local elder

Walking from site to site through the bush with Stuart and learning more along the way!

Sampling local bush foods and learning about their traditional uses

Large rocky outcrops - our classroom for the day with Stuart McMinn

Ku-ring-gai Chase is home to over 800 recorded Aboriginal sites. Our journey with Stuart focused on three specific sites that sit along a traditional song line that once connected local people from the east coast to the interiors of the county and beyond all to the west coast of this massive continent!

As we toured the park and visited a number of engraving and art sites, Stuart explained his peoples connection to the sites, to the landscape more broadly as well as sharing a number of traditional practices, cultural customs, beliefs and stories with the group.

Enjoying the moments in between visiting cultural sites with our Gone Bush VIPs

Large rock outcrop home to a series of ancient engraving sites and lying along a traditional song line across the continent of Australia

Learning about the types of trees in the park and traditional relationships with them

Learning about the iconic Westhead lookout from a different perspective with Stuart McMinn

Refreshments served regularly throughout the day - much needed in the early summer heat of Sydney

A very happy group of Gone Bush VIPs, sharing an unforgettable day 'on country' with Stuart McMinn

The day concluded with a BBQ in the park and allowed opportunity for plenty of followup questions with Stuart, who was candid, sincere and engaging throughout the experience. We'd like to thank Stuart McMinn for this memorable experience, it certainly enriched and left an imprint on the group who attended.

Do you share our passion for culture?

We've got a passion for sharing experiences and perspectives that deepen understanding, connection and respect between modern and traditional cultures. If you share this passion and want to explore how we can work together to make a positive impact within your organisation, contact us here.