Australia’s natural beauty is profoundly connected to its cultural history. The Aboriginal people have lived in harmony with this land for tens of thousands of years, viewing themselves as an inseparable part of it. While Western influences and historical persecution have threatened to erase many of their customs, a growing movement among younger generations seeks to revive and honor these traditions. Today, I had the chance to witness this revival firsthand at Red Rock Beach, where the Corindi River meets the sea.
Here, I joined Clark Webb, founder of Wajaana Yaam Tours, who has taken an innovative approach to cultural education by introducing visitors to the ancient ways of his Gumbaynggirr ancestors through paddle boarding. He shared that the Aboriginal people are the world’s first stand-up paddlers, having used these waterways for close to 100,000 years. As we prepared to paddle, I could feel the weight of that history—thousands of years of presence and knowledge embodied in a simple activity.
Clark is one of only about twenty fluent speakers of the Gumbaynggirr language, a result of past policies that threatened to sever Aboriginal children from their culture and language. Known as the "Stolen Generations," this period created a climate of fear around passing on cultural knowledge, leaving future generations at a painful disadvantage. However, Clark is dedicated to reversing this loss, teaching his daughter and others in his community the language and customs that he didn’t have the chance to learn growing up. It’s inspiring to think that, thanks to his efforts, future generations may someday reclaim the fluency that was taken from them.
As we glided along the river, Clark pointed out different plants and trees, each with its own significance. One, called the Bloodwood, has branches naturally curved like elbows, making it ideal for crafting boomerangs. Even more fascinating, the Bloodwood’s sap serves as a natural antiseptic, able to clean and heal cuts—a testament to the resourcefulness and knowledge embedded in Indigenous practices. For the Gumbaynggirr, nature has always been more than a provider of food; it’s a pharmacy, a hardware store, and a place of sanctuary.
We made our way toward Jewfish Point, an ancient campsite used for thousands of years. Standing there, I felt a profound sense of connection to the past, knowing that beneath us lay layers upon layers of charcoal from fires that had burned in this very spot for generations. It’s humbling to think of how much history lies beneath our feet, even if not all of it has been preserved. Due to cultural devastation, some knowledge has been lost, but Clark is hopeful that tours like his can help piece things back together.
For Clark, Wajaana Yaam Tours is more than a business—it’s a mission. In his community, the unemployment rate among Aboriginal people is alarmingly high, reaching around 24.5%. By creating an enterprise rooted in cultural integrity, Clark aims to not only revitalize his heritage but also create meaningful economic opportunities for his people. Every tour is a step toward sustaining his community’s future, both culturally and economically.
As I left Red Rock Beach, I felt a deep appreciation for the dedication and resilience of Clark and others like him. Wajaana Yaam Tours offers more than an adventure on the water; it provides a window into the profound and lasting connection between the Gumbaynggirr people and their land, a bond that has endured against all odds. Through his work, Clark inspires us all to look closer at the land, to listen to its stories, and to honor the legacy it holds.
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