Luxe Lanyard, Bila Ngurambang

Maria Watson-Trudgett is a First Nations artist, storyteller and cultural consultant, a proud Wiradjuri woman, currently residing on Yugerra Country (Queensland).

"Bila" and "Ngurambang" are words from the Wiradjuri language, meaning river and country. The Wiradjuri people, also known as ‘river people,’ were skilled hunter-fisher-gatherers who lived and moved along the rivers and surrounding landscape, sourcing food for survival and caring for Country. For tens of thousands of years, First Nations people have managed their land and its inhabitants to ensure environmental harmony and sustainability. Keeping balance in the environment is central to our people’s way of thinking, being, and connection to spiritual and cultural identity.

The impacts of climate change are exacerbating our ability to protect and maintain significant biodiversity across Australia and the globe. Biodiversity is everyone’s responsibility. It is crucial to broaden our awareness, compassion, and respect to embrace all living creatures and the natural environment. Biodiversity will not be maintained through inaction—stand with First Nations people to care for Country.