Djukun Elders Passing Down Ancient Knowledge to the Next Generation

Image credit: Jaala Ozies, Goowal (Flueggea virosa), Jirr-ngin-ngan (Broome) Western Australia 2025.

This school holidays, an on-country experience was organsied and Djukun Elder Mary Ozies shared valuable cultural knowledge with the younger generation about living off the land and maintaining traditions passed down for millennia. Among the teachings was the seasonal wild harvesting of goowal (Flueggea virosa), a shrub bearing seasonal fruit found near coastal sand dunes on Djukun Country and some northern parts of Australia.

Goowal is currently in season and this time of year is known as Mangala (in the Djukun language). Mangala season the wet season is from December to March. The wet season is marked by strong northwest winds carrying rains from the sea. 

Goowal is a nutrient-rich fruit high in vitamins and antioxidants. The shrub, which flowers in December can be identified with white fragrant blossoms and produces fruit ready for harvest in January. Djukun Elders demonstrated the sustainable wild harvesting practices of goowal, reinforcing its importance in Djukun diets.

Beyond its edible fruit, goowal holds additional cultural significance. The bark, traditionally processed into a liquid form, is used for treating skin conditions. Additionally, the shrub’s wood can be used to make fire sticks. Fire sticks known as woongalga in the Djukun language and are used for making fires.

Image credit supplied: Lateisha (L), Jacob, Djukun Elder Mary, Aleksia and Jose Ozies, Jirr-ngin-ngan (Broome) Western Australia 2025.

This practice of reading the land, wild harvesting sustainably, and using natural resources not only preserves traditional cultural knowledge but also connects the younger generation to their cultural heritage. As Elder Mary Ozies explained, “Teaching our children how to live off the land ensures they can carry forward the knowledge and way of life our ancestors which has been practiced for thousands of years". "I have many fond memories of coming back to Djukun Country as a child on school holidays and living off the land". "That's why I'm continuing to teach future generations the Djukun way of life on Djukun Country" Mary stated. 

Image credit: Jaala Ozies, wild harvesting Goowal (Flueggea virosa), Djukun young generation Aleksia and Yisah, Jirr-ngin-ngan (Broome) Western Australia 2025.

Djukun woman Yisah Bin Omar said “I remember asking my Djukun Grampa about the bushfoods he ate growing up in Broome and he spoke fondly and mentioned Goowal, even describing its appearance for me.  For him, it was more than a source of nourishment—it was a connection to Djukun Country and our traditions." "Today, as we teach the younger generation about harvesting goowal, we are continuing our oral history and preserving the cultural heritage of the Djukun people. This process is not only about passing down knowledge but also about conservation and responsible land management, ensuring these practices thrive for future generations.”
It's vital for our young people to take an interest in participating in intergenerational learning on Country so they are are better placed to be able to fight and protect it against developments that negatively impacts their ancestral lands especially industraliaisation". Yisah stated.

These lessons of respect for the land and its precious natural resources highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of the Djukun people. By passing on these skills, the Djukun community is ensuring a continuation of their cultural heritage for future generations while maintaining their deep connection to Djukun Country.

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