Indigenous Australians and Canids: A Journey through Time and Tradition
Indigenous Australians have a long and complex relationship with canids, encompassing both dingoes and domestic dogs. This relationship is not based on domestication, but rather on a deep respect and understanding of the unique qualities of these animals.
Dingoes and dogs were not primarily valued as food sources or hunting companions. Instead, they were highly prized for their protective instincts, warmth-providing abilities, and companionship.
Indigenous Australian dog beliefs meant that dingoes and dogs were held in high spiritual regard, considering them to be spirit animals with a connection to the ancestral realm.
The presence of dingoes and dogs in Indigenous communities was not without its challenges. These animals could disrupt camp life and ceremonies, and they also posed a risk to food supplies. However, the benefits of having these animals often outweighed the costs, and the relationship between Indigenous Australians and canids has endured for generations.
Indigenous Australian Dog Beliefs – a Deep Connection
The relationship between Indigenous Australians and canids is a complex and fascinating one. It is a story of mutual respect, adaptation, and survival. Indigenous Australians have learned to live with dingoes and dogs, and have come to appreciate their unique qualities. In return, dingoes and dogs have found a place of acceptance and respect in Indigenous society.
This relationship is also a reminder of the deep connection that humans have always had with animals. Indigenous Australians have always seen themselves as part of the natural world, and their relationship with canids shows this worldview.
The story of Indigenous Australians and canids is one that is worth learning and understanding. It is also a story that reminds us of our place in the natural world.
The relationship between Indigenous Australians and canids is not merely a historical relic; it continues to have a profound impact on Indigenous communities today. Dingoes and dogs remain an integral part of Indigenous life, providing companionship, protection, and a deep connection to the ancestral realm.
In contemporary Indigenous communities, dingoes and dogs are often seen as family members, sharing in the joys and sorrows of everyday life. They provide a sense of security and comfort, offering a constant presence and unwavering loyalty.
Beyond their emotional significance, dingoes and dogs continue to play practical roles in Indigenous communities. Their keen senses and protective instincts make them valuable guardians, alerting people to potential dangers and safeguarding homes and belongings.
Dingoes and dogs also play a role in cultural transmission, serving as links to the past and embodying the values and beliefs of Indigenous communities. They are featured in traditional stories, songs, and ceremonies, reinforcing the deep connection between humans and canids.
Reference: A-Review-of-the-Relationship-between-Indigenous-Australians-Dingoes-Canis-dingo-and-Domestic-Dogs-Canis-familiaris.pdf
The Wild Dog Story of Alice Springs
The Wild Dog Story of Alice Springs (“Ayeye Akngwelye Mpartnwe-arenye “) was shared by Kieran Finnane (9 July 2016), celebrating NAIDOC has Apmereke-artweye (custodian) Doris Stuart.
We heard how long ago, “at the beginning of time”, Akngwelye, the local dog, lived here happily with his family – “caring for each other and playing in their desert home” – until a stranger dog came from the south. Climbing Alhekulyele – Mount Gillen, the peak of the range that towers over the town – the stranger came across a girl dog in a cave. He attacked her and left her to die.
He picked up the scent of Akngwelye’s mate and puppies and was coming for them when Akngwelye confronted him down on the dusty plain. They fought. Akngwelye ripped the stranger’s belly open, and left his guts on the ground. You can see this trace of their battle in the site known as Yarrentye on the west side of town.
Neither dog died. The stranger, hurt and scared, went back through the Gap (Ntaripe) and fell asleep in the fork of a tree. Akngwelye limped to the shelter of a tree from where he had a clear view of his country and lay down, keeping watch.
He never made it back to his mate and her puppies, metamorphosing into a boulder embedded in the ground, where he is still, guarding his Country. This is the site known as Akngwelye Thirrewe. Today it is “chained, confined and surrounded by concrete”.NAIDOC celebrates the Wild Dog Story of Alice Springs, By Kieran Finnane, 9 July 2016
(Australian Aboriginal Tales of the Dreaming…
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this website contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.
This Stone is mentioned in the legends of the Arunta Tribe
associated with the Country around Alice Springs. )“Gnoilya (Wild Dog) Tmerga:
This stone is associated with a great, white, Dog Man who came from Latrika (away to the west) and wanted to kill the Dog Men at Choritja (Stuart or Alice Springs).
When they saw him, the local Gnoilya (Wild Dog) men sang out;
Wunna Mbainda Erinna, Numma – see, this is your camp, sit down.
So he sat down quietly and remained there, the stone arising to mark the spot.
If the stone is rubbed by old men, all the camp dogs begin to growl and grow fierce.
The last man to rub it was one of the old inkatas (headmen) who did so soon after the white men came, in order to try to make the dogs bite them.”“The Arunta”, Volume 1 by Sir Baldwin Spencer an F.J. Gillen
Gnoily (Wild Dog) Tmerga (signage in Alice Springs)Gnoily (Wild Dog) Tmerga
The Dingo Dreaming crosses the land out of the Simpson Desert to Heavitree Gap (Ntaripe), before heading on to Mount Gillen. The Mount is the nose and beneath it is an actual old dingo’s den-site. The dingo then returns north-east via a line of white quartz to the dingo bitch’s den-site and finally to Dog Rock in what is now Alice Springs.
The Dingo Dreaming coming out of the Simpson Desert to Heavitree Gap before trotting on to Mount Gillen, the Mount being his nose beneath which is an actual old dingo’s den-site, then returning north-east via a line of white quartz to the dingo bitch’s den-site and finally to “Dog Rock” in town. The dogs are said to guard both Heavitree Gap, south of Alice Springs and the western side.
Akngwelye (Mount Gillen) is the local dog who stands sentry over Mparntwe.
Gnoily (Wild Dog) Tmerga
Mount Gillen / Alhekulyele, Alice Springs / MparntweFind out about more Dogs in Human Culture where we see how dogs have left a record of their lives with us in every culture.