Barka: The Forgotten River

In Our Veins

Barka is the life blood of not only the Barkandji people and culture but the whole of NSW. Its waters support Country environmentally, culturally and socially.

^{Image: Aerial of the Menindee Lakes and surrounding areas. Photographer: Abram Powell © Australian Museum}

Lore Keepers

When we respect and look after Country we are practicing good culture or Lore. When Lore is kept, the Barka is healthy, and everyone along the river is healthy: the people, plants, and animals.

^{Image: Copi Hollow part of the Menindee Lake system that feeds Barka (Darling River). Photographer: Abram Powell © Australian Museum}

Agri/Culture

Barkandji people have lived and thrived along the river for thousands of years, using sustainable land management practices and being guided by culture.

Climate change, land and water mismanagement mean that everyone along the river is suffering. This is the result of acting without culture, but there is always time to help Country.

^{Image: Cracked earth texture in Kinchega National Park. Photographer: Abram Powell © Australian Museum}

Kulpa-Kulpa

Listen to the people who have loved Barka for generations, their joyful memories of a healthy clean river, their sorrow at its current state, and be spurred to action by their ongoing fight for Barka.

^{Artwork: Aunty Ngearie Cattomol portrait for Barka: The Forgotten River exhibition. Oil paint on found tin by Justine Muller. © Justine Muller}