Passing on the Ngarrindjeri Wisdom

Ngarrindjeri Elder, Mr Archie Kartinyeri, is passing on the wisdom of the Ngarrindjeri people’s culture and language to school students across the Fleurieu.

Mr Kartinyeri, who is supported to live independently at home by Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services, holds regular classes at Victor Harbor High School, as part of the school’s Aboriginal Studies syllabus, along with visits to the local primary schools, kindergartens, and private schools.

In his classes, Mr Kartinyeri speaks about the beliefs, culture and practices of the Ngarrindjeri people, including ways of living, ceremonies, dreamtime, and the language of his people.

Mr Kartinyeri is very passionate about his role as an Elder, and takes very seriously his duty to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

The Ngarrindjeri people were the largest Aboriginal group in Australia, living on the River Murray, lakes, Coastline and Coorong.