While debate rages over whether Canberra is Ngunnawal or Ngambri country UC is charging right ahead and renaming their residences to a Ngunnawal theme:
The University of Canberra Village, a dedicated student accommodation facility located in the University of Canberra campus, will formally rename its buildings in the Ngunnawal words for a variety of native birds and animals at a renaming ceremony on Monday 5 August 2013.
The new names were selected with the assistance of the University’s Ngunnawal Indigenous Higher Education Centre and endorsed by local elders.
“Since Campus Living Villages took over the operations of the residences in 2008, we have invested $45 million into adding more accommodation and upgrading the existing residences,” said Steve Nobbs, Director of Operations for Campus Living Villages.
“Renaming the residences reflects something of a rebirth for the accommodation on campus and I’m particularly pleased we can acknowledge the traditional owners of this land with names that are both unique and beautiful,” he continued.
UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA VILLAGE: NGUNNAWAL NAMES
Original name | Ngunnawal name | English translation |
New Build (Globo) | Guginya | Kookaburra |
College House | Mulleum | Eaglehawk |
International House | Gurubun | Koala |
New Ressies | Wagan | Crow |
Old Ressies | Buru | Kangaroo |
University Village | Dyara | Bowerbird |