Warra warra wai were the first words spoken to Cook and his men, famously recorded in Parkinson’s journal and often repeated. What do these words mean today, literally and symbolically?

Come to the Library to gain an insight into Dharawal history and language. Melissa Jackson from the State Library’s Indigenous Engagement Branch will showcase items from the collection that offer insights into the languages and peoples of the Sydney Coast.

The program is supported by the Library’s Living Language: Country, Culture, Community exhibition, which celebrates the resilience of our Aboriginal languages, using original documents and interviews with language custodians on Country.

The exhibition has been guided by Elders and custodians, whose knowledge and experience have enhanced and challenged the understanding of Aboriginal language materials in the Library’s collection. The exhibition was created in response to the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages.