Utingarr

Description

It is a powerful totem, symbolising identity, spirituality, and a deep connection to the land. Emus appear in Dreaming stories that teach important cultural knowledge, values, and the laws that guide community life.

The emu was also an essential part of daily survival. It provided meat for food, feathers for decoration and ceremony, and fat used in traditional medicine. The Kalkadoon people would often mark their territory with images of the emu or its footprints, proudly showing their connection to this sacred animal.

Because of its cultural and practical significance, Kalkadoon land is often referred to as the Emu Province. This name honours the lasting relationship between the Kalkadoon people and the utingarr, reflecting both their heritage and respect for the natural world.