At Aboriginal Art Co, every product begins with relationships. As we developed our new Magandjin Collection, it was important that the designs were guided by the knowledge and cultural authority of the Traditional Owners of the place we call home.

We were honoured to work alongside Gaja (Aunty) Kerry Charlton, a Yagara Elder, cultural custodian, language specialist and Traditional Owner with connections to the Gerrgum, Koenpul, Jandaval, Ngunda and Quandamooka Peoples. A respected leader in language revitalisation, cultural education and reconciliation, Aunty Kerry is a founding member of the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and has dedicated decades to preserving and strengthening the languages and cultural heritage of South East Queensland.

Throughout the development of the collection, Aunty Kerry generously shared her knowledge, offering cultural guidance on local stories, symbols and the appropriate use of Yagara language. Her advice has helped ensure that the collection respectfully reflects the identity and history of Magandjin while creating opportunities for visitors and locals alike to learn about Country through everyday products.

We gratefully acknowledge Gaja Kerry Charlton for her cultural guidance and design advice, including the use of Yagara language throughout the Magandjin Collection.

Revitalising One of the World's Oldest Languages

Australian First Languages have been spoken continuously for more than 80,000 years, making them among the oldest living languages in the world. Traditionally, these languages were oral rather than written, and many contain sounds that are not represented in the English alphabet. As a result, there are often multiple accepted spellings of Aboriginal words.

Language is far more than vocabulary. It carries knowledge of Country, kinship, history and cultural practices that have been passed from generation to generation for thousands of years. Every word represents a living connection to place.

Across Australia, communities are working to revitalise and strengthen First Languages, ensuring they continue to be spoken and celebrated by future generations. We are proud that the Magandjin Collection contributes, in a small way, to this important work by encouraging people to engage with the language of the Country on which Brisbane stands.

Learn Some Yagara Words

As part of the Magandjin Collection, we invite you to learn a few Yagara words from the Country on which Brisbane stands.

Yagara (pronounced yag-ur-uh, where "yag" rhymes with "bag") Also written as Yuggera or Jaggera, Yagara is the traditional Aboriginal language of the Brisbane district.

Magandjin (pronounced mug-un-jin) The traditional Aboriginal name for the Brisbane region, meaning "place of many tulipwood trees."

Balka'na (pronounced bulka-nah) Meaning welcome or "come near."

Warra (pronounced waar-rar) The Yagara name for the river, translating to "a stretch or expanse of open water."

Nguruin (pronounced ng-oo-roo-in / where "ng" sounds like the ng in sing) meaning Emu. 

Mari (pronounced murree) is a Kangaroo. 

Cabool (pronounced cah-bool) is a Snake. Also written as Kabul. 

Dum'brripi (pronounced doom-birr-pi) meaning Koala

Respecting Culture Through Collaboration

The Magandjin Collection is founded on collaboration, respect and cultural authority. Working alongside Aunty Kerry has ensured that the collection reflects the language and stories of this place with authenticity and care.

At Aboriginal Art Co, we believe local stories matter. By incorporating Yagara language into locally designed products, we hope to inspire curiosity, encourage conversations and deepen understanding of the rich Aboriginal history and continuing culture of Magandjin.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gaja (Aunty) Kerry Charlton for her generosity, wisdom and ongoing commitment to sharing and strengthening Yagara language and culture. Her guidance has helped create a collection that honours Country while inviting everyone to learn a little more about the place we call home.

Thanks to Arts Queensland for supporting this project through the First Nations Commissioning Fund.