The Wiiyaan

The Wiiyaan are an unbroken line of origin, the Ancestors of the Tweed Bundjalung.

The Three Brothers is a creation story that explains the origins of the Bundjalung Nation’s different tribes and their dialects. It tells of three brothers who came across the sea in a canoe to settle in the region. In the southern dialect, their names are Mamoon, Birrung, and Yar-Birrain. In the northern dialect, they are known as Yarbiri, Marming, and Birin. After arriving with their families, they separated and headed north, west, and south, which led to their descendants forming distinct tribes and their languages evolving into different dialects. The story is a foundational part of Bundjalung culture and history, and its key locations marked by natural landmarks throughout the Northern Rivers.

Over the last several years the local Tweed Aboriginal community has created digital and material illustrations to ensure the perpetuation of the traditional stories of the Wiiyaan and other Lore. They were given to Elders and Knowledge holders to be a catalyst for transfer to younger generations.

Curated by Bijang Slabb
Knowledge and story from Kyle Slabb
With assistance from Ludo Studios