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Moth Hunters of the Australian Capital Territory
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 25, 2021
A really interesting look into the indigenous people in the local Canberra region. Living in the South part of Canberra, I had known of the Ngunawal (currently recognised as traditional owners) and Ngarigo people but not heard of The Walgalu language group before but I understand now after looking into it further they were the Ngambri-Guumaal people. It seems they were the previous custodians of the corner of the country next to the Murrumbidgee River, where I've lived for over 30 years.
For a small book it covers a lot of information, much that I've heard before, but it's great to see it here. Unfortunately, some of the Scarred trees have gone since this book was published in 1996. Fortunately there are still some ancient gums around. Outside my window, I can see one that is estimated by an arborist (who tends it each year), to be approx, 400 years old.
There are a few things that I'm not sure that were covered as well as could have been. For example,
I think that the House family and The Mortimer family amongst others who are elders in The Canberra region may dispute that there are not descendants of the original custodians left in the area. My understanding is that The House family are descendants of a well known warrior, Onyong (called Hong Gong here) who was friends with the first white man, Garrett Cotter, in the region.
The author didn't mention that many Indigenous families were moved to Yass and elsewhere when the land for the ACT was transferred to The Federal Government in 1911.
I obtained this copy from the ACT library, it might be a difficult little book to obtain otherwise, it is probably out of print.
For a small book it covers a lot of information, much that I've heard before, but it's great to see it here. Unfortunately, some of the Scarred trees have gone since this book was published in 1996. Fortunately there are still some ancient gums around. Outside my window, I can see one that is estimated by an arborist (who tends it each year), to be approx, 400 years old.
There are a few things that I'm not sure that were covered as well as could have been. For example,
I think that the House family and The Mortimer family amongst others who are elders in The Canberra region may dispute that there are not descendants of the original custodians left in the area. My understanding is that The House family are descendants of a well known warrior, Onyong (called Hong Gong here) who was friends with the first white man, Garrett Cotter, in the region.
The author didn't mention that many Indigenous families were moved to Yass and elsewhere when the land for the ACT was transferred to The Federal Government in 1911.
I obtained this copy from the ACT library, it might be a difficult little book to obtain otherwise, it is probably out of print.
October 20, 2014
Moth Hunters of the Australian Capital Territory is a fascinating booklet about the Indigenous people in the ACT region. Covering pre-history as well as their interactions with white pastoralists upon their arrival to the area, Josephine Flood appears to be thorough in her research of these tribes. The Ngunnawal and Ngarigo people lived hard lives in this region of extremes --cold winters and hot summers. Flood writes about their food, including the Bogong Moth of the title, hunting methods, languages (the little that is known of them), customs, families and interactions with white settlers. She also describes the places where artefacts have been found since and gives details of some of the archaeological evidence.
However, and this is where she loses two stars in my rating, her research into local animals is not as accurate. Her naming of the animals, is not Australian. The quoll is referred to as the Native Cat, possums as opossums (not an Australian term) and local turtles as tortoises. The wild turkey, referred to also as an Australian bustard, was one of the few animals for which the scientific name was provided. Not knowing whether this was the bush turkey, and not being familiar with the name "Australian Bustard", I looked this one up on the internet. Ardeotis kori is in fact the African Bustard, a very different bird and one that lives a long way away from the ACT, Australia.
I am now left wondering whether I was wrong in my initial summation of her Indigenous research.
However, and this is where she loses two stars in my rating, her research into local animals is not as accurate. Her naming of the animals, is not Australian. The quoll is referred to as the Native Cat, possums as opossums (not an Australian term) and local turtles as tortoises. The wild turkey, referred to also as an Australian bustard, was one of the few animals for which the scientific name was provided. Not knowing whether this was the bush turkey, and not being familiar with the name "Australian Bustard", I looked this one up on the internet. Ardeotis kori is in fact the African Bustard, a very different bird and one that lives a long way away from the ACT, Australia.
I am now left wondering whether I was wrong in my initial summation of her Indigenous research.
January 30, 2025
seeing a book i have not seen for ages. Like a long lost friend. And of the large eucalypt moth i once new and admired.
May 22, 2016
‘It was clear that there were at least two groups in what is now the ACT when the Europeans arrived in the 1820s, and that within fifty years both groups had virtually disappeared.’
This booklet provides a wealth of information about Aboriginal life and sites in the Canberra region. Feasting on Bogong moths was an annual event, which once took place every summer on the summits of the Australian Alps. These days, sadly, the Bogong moths are often attracted to the lights of the Australian Parliament House whilst en route and what was once a feast for Aboriginal people is an annoyance. A waste of what I understand to be highly nutritious food.
Dr Josephine Flood self-published this booklet in 1996, and it is an interesting and informative introduction to traditional Aboriginal life in the Canberra region. This booklet was referred to by Australian author Karen Viggers as reference material for her novel ‘The Grass Castle’, and I was fortunate enough to track down a copy to read. I found other references, too, for when I have more time.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
This booklet provides a wealth of information about Aboriginal life and sites in the Canberra region. Feasting on Bogong moths was an annual event, which once took place every summer on the summits of the Australian Alps. These days, sadly, the Bogong moths are often attracted to the lights of the Australian Parliament House whilst en route and what was once a feast for Aboriginal people is an annoyance. A waste of what I understand to be highly nutritious food.
Dr Josephine Flood self-published this booklet in 1996, and it is an interesting and informative introduction to traditional Aboriginal life in the Canberra region. This booklet was referred to by Australian author Karen Viggers as reference material for her novel ‘The Grass Castle’, and I was fortunate enough to track down a copy to read. I found other references, too, for when I have more time.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 3, 2015
A curate's egg of a book that is showing its age.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews