Wonnarua Language & Culture Archive

The Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation (WNAC) was established in 1999 and represents the Wonnarua people, the traditional land owners of the Hunter Valley of New South Wales (NSW). WNAC focuses on nurturing the history and culture of the Wonnarua Nation, improving the well-being of its members and managing investments to sustain the Corporation’s work. The Directors have achieved significant milestones since the Corporation was returned to the WNAC Board after a period of administration. As they rebuild the Corporation they are building a bright future for the Wonnarua People.

While the board members manage the Corporation, the Elders are paramount in guiding the Wonnarua Nation. Their wisdom and understanding of Wonnarua history and culture are highly respected by all members of the Wonnarua Nation and beyond.

This project is a partnership between the WNAC and the Indigenous Archives and Data Hub at Jumbunna Research, UTS. The Wonnarua Language & Culture digital archive is a space for collating and sharing information and resources on Wonnarua/Gringai language and culture from both local communities and external collecting institutions such as libraries and archives. The aim of this digital archive is for the Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation (WNAC) and the entire community to have a central place to access content that has been written and produced about the Wonnarua language and culture. That is, this archive is also the place where any community member can respond to this content and add new interpretations and stories. 

The Wonnarua Language and Culture Archive is part of a larger project to develop resources for the delivery of a Wonnarua/Gringai language awareness and teaching created by and for the Wonnarua and local Aboriginal community, under the language of the Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation (WNAC) Board. The WNAC has formed a reference group including local knowledge holders from the local area that provides advice and guidance for this project.