Gurrngul Art - 'Ngurraar' Black Cockatoo Greeting Card

My name is Ayesha Woibo and I’m a Binhdhi Warra woman of the Guugu Yimidhirr people. I'm also a descendant of the Dhubbi Warra, Dharrba Warra & Guugu Buyun clans with connections to Hope Vale, Cooktown and the surrounding areas. The story behind the name Gurrngul is a short story as my Great-grandfather had told my mum that I was to be called that name once I was born. I was named after one of my Ancestors, she was a sister to one of our Kings.

I learnt at a young age that nothing empowered me more and brought me strength than learning my culture - I yearned for it and still do. I’ve spent so much time in the presence of my Grandfathers & Nannies, on my Old Peoples Country, seeking knowledge, always asking questions. I loved learning about the history, the connection to land & the sacredness of being an Aboriginal woman. I knew through these conversations they were weaving me in into the woman I am today.

An Elder once told me that songs, names and stories are passed down through a spiral to keep our culture strong. I am one of many Gurrnguls that have lived, and I won’t be the last.