Coreen Reading Walawa

“The stingray is a wonderful food source for my people; like shark, there is a special way to prepare it. It is considered a delicacy to eat when traditionally prepared and cooked. Interestingly although completely different cultures, including creation, language, kinship and belief systems; our Kiaidilt language often has words similar to the Lardil language. The Lardil word for stingray is Balibal, our Kiaidilt word is Balibali.
The Balibal in Lardil is also a family totem for the Jacob families, to which my family has been adopted through connections made since our arrival to the Mornington Island mission 1947-1948; so when myself and my children participate in Lardil dancing, we will respectfully paint up in the Lardil Balibal totem.”