What is gadigal?

The Gadigal people are the traditional owners of the land now known as Sydney, Australia. They are a clan of the Eora nation, who inhabited the coastal areas of what is now New South Wales. The Gadigal land stretched from South Head, along the southern shore of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), to approximately Petersham.

Their society was based on a deep connection to the land and sea, with fishing and hunting being important sources of sustenance. They lived in small, family-based groups and had a complex social structure with specific roles and responsibilities. They possessed extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, utilizing plants for medicinal purposes and crafting tools from natural materials.

The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 had a devastating impact on the Gadigal people. Disease, dispossession of land, and violence led to a dramatic decline in their population and disruption of their traditional way of life. Despite these hardships, Gadigal descendants have maintained a strong connection to their culture and are actively working to preserve and revitalize their language and traditions. Today, they continue to advocate for recognition and justice for their people.

• Traditional%20Owners
• Eora%20Nation
• Sydney%20Harbour
• First%20Fleet