Ngandi and Ngalakgan Plants and Animals

The knowledge that Ngandi and Ngalakgan elders held for generations about the plants and animals of their country is captured in great detail in this comprehensive 292-page volume. Richly illustrated with photographs and biological drawings, the book is a true collaborative work between senior traditional knowledge holders and specialists such as linguists and biologists. Most of the Ngandi and Ngalakgan elders who contributed their knowledge to the book have since passed away, making Ngandi and Ngalakgan Plants and Animals a particularly valuable text.

Ngalakgan is the traditional language of the country on which Ngukurr is situtated (which is also where the Meigim Kriol Strongbala program is based). Ngandi is a related language traditionally spoken to the north of Ngukurr. While Ngukurr today is a predominantly Kriol speaking community, Ngandi and Ngalakgan are two important languages of the community and many residents are of Ngandi and/or Ngalakgan heritage.

One of the key contributors to the volume was Cherry Wulumirr Daniels OAM who sadly passed away in 2019 while the book was being printed. Cherry, along with other elders and community members, want to see their knowledge of plants and animals passed on and Ngandi and Ngalakgan Plants and Animals does so. The book covers 249 plants and 291 animals as well as information on seasons, geographic terms, tools and implements. Common names in Kriol and biological names are provided and a brief guide to the languages is included. 126 plants and 137 animals are illustrated.