Knob Reserve was a significant meeting place for the clans of the Gunaikurnai.
Knob Reserve was a common ground that the five clans of the Gunaikurnai people to meet on. The five clans of the Gunaikurnai are:
- Brabralung (central Gippsland)
- Brataualung (south Gippsland)
- Brayakaulung (Sale)
- Krauatungalung (Snowy River)
- Tatungalung (Lakes Entrance)
The land is on Brayakaulung Country, about 3km from Stratford, and is a small but still very significant site. The people of these clans would travel, sometimes for days, to gather there together, they would share food and information, trade goods, and practice and partake in ceremony and corroborees. There is a large number of artefacts that can be found on the lands of Knob Reserve, evidence of these gatherings includes scar trees, grinding grooves and wooden artefacts like spears and paddles.
Knob Reserve. Source: Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
Knob Reserve shows not only the culture of Gunaikurnai in the past but also in the present. In 2010 it was recognised that the Gunaikurnai people held Native Title over a large portion of Gippsland, including Knob Reserve. The Government also made an agreement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic). This meant that the national parks and reserves – such as Knob Reserve are under joint management between the State and the Gunaikurnai people.
You can read more about Native Title and the Traditional Owner Settlement Act here.
The other national parks and reserves that are joint managed are:
- Tarra Bulga National Park
- Mitchell River National Parks
- Lakes National Park
- Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
- New Guinea Cave (within Snowy River National Park)
- Lake Tyers Catchment Area
- Buchan Caves Reserve
- Gippsland Lakes Reserve at Raymond Island
- Corringle Foreshore Reserve.
Knob Reserve. Source: Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
Sources
- Gunaikurnai Native Title Agreement, Victoria State Government
- The Knob Reserve, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation