Tuesday

After floating on rivers all across South Australia during its two year journey to promote Aboriginal culture, the 'Yuki' has finally returned home to the South East.

The 13 foot-long bark canoe is made from a Red Gum tree and was carefully crafted by the South East's Aboriginal community.

It all began in 2010 in a paddock in Kalangadoo, when students from Millicent High School joined members of the local Aboriginal community to fashion the first traditional style canoe made in the region in over 100 years.

Major "Moogy" Sumner and his nephew, Cyril Trevorrow, were shown by elders from the Ngarrindgeri community the traditional process of peeling the bark from the tree.

Landcare coordinator for the Aboriginal community's South East Natural Resource Management Board, David New, says the 'Yuki' has been a big source of pride for the community.

"Everybody was fascinated by it, really proud, every time we see the canoe there is just a huge level of excitement," he said.

The process involved an outline of the canoe being drawn onto the tree before being peeled off over six hours.


It was then put in a shed over a fire and dried for three months.

It comes with a paddle which doubles as a spear.

Originally used for hunting, gathering and transport, this replica has been touring regional centres around the state as part of an exhibition for Country Arts SA to promote culture.

So far, it has floated on the Torrens River, Lake McIntyre, the Valley Lake, in Gawler and even Sydney Harbour.


The 'Yuki' is on display at the Main Corner in Mount Gambier accompanied by the screening of a DVD which documents its journey.

The DVD was made by Aboriginal youth from Millicent High School who were trained in multimedia for the project.
Source

VIDEOS

Moogy's Yuki (Moogy's Canoe) - trailer from Change Media on Vimeo.

Responses to "Aboriginal canoe 'Yuki' returns home (Video)"

  1. Anonymous says:

    Absolutely stunning :D

  2. warrigal says:

    Reclaiming culture, or the passing on of knowledge. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. Great stuff, congratulations!

  3. Anonymous says:

    How do you keep crocodiles OUT of the Yuki?

  4. EXCELLENTE...

  5. Anonymous says:

    No crocodiles in South Australia, it's too cold down here. Crocodiles are found in the tropical areas, like Queensland and the Northern Territory.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Remarkable! Will there be an explanation of the body painting of the 'sailor,'and architect involved with the making of this yuki and this feature? He is a Treasure!

  7. Anonymous says:

    Has it been on the Murray?

  8. Anonymous says:

    SIMPLY WONDERFUL! Wondering: does the tree live after that much bark is removed?

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