ABSTRACT
The township of Oodnadatta celebrates its centenary in 1990. The area around Oodnadatta was originally Arabana, Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru territory, marking the northern boundary for the Arabana and the southern boundary of the southern Arrernte and the western boundary of the Wangkangurru. In the vicinity of Oodnadatta there are many traditional sites known to the women. Angkara nyinda soakage is closer to the town and was used by Aboriginal people in earlier times as their source of water. Women identify and collect samples of trees, bushes and plants. The grandchildren of the women have some knowledge of bush food. Death and associated rituals present another significant indirect reminder of traditional patterns of behaviour and belief. When someone dies their relatives are referred to as 'having bad luck'. Another element of traditional behaviour upheld strongly by senior women is a respect for the right of each person or family group to speak for themselves.
