My Totemic Bloodlines: Embracing Spirit, Kin, and Ancestors
- Brian AJ Newman LLB
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
My name is Brian AJ Newman, and this is the story of my totems, my people, and the spirits who walk beside me. My blood carries the strength of three tribes—Anaiwan, Wiradjuri, and Ngarigo—and my heart beats with the wings of the bat, my own personal totem. Each ancestor left footprints I now follow. Each totem holds a story, a teaching, and a duty I honour in how I live, represent others, and protect Country.
The Echidna – Iwata (Anaiwan Totem)
From the high country of the New England Tablelands, my Anaiwan ancestors passed down the Iwata—the echidna. Covered in spines yet gentle in nature, the echidna moves with patience and purpose. It burrows into the earth, teaching stillness, inner strength, and protection through silence. In Anaiwan country, the Iwata is a quiet sentinel. It is not a predator, but it is not prey. It survives through wisdom. That same trait—persistence over force—is what I draw upon in my advocacy. I do not rush. I watch, I learn, I act when the moment is right.
The Goanna – Gugaa (Wiradjuri Totem)
From the Wiradjuri comes Gugaa, the goanna—nimble, ancient, and a warrior of the earth. Wiradjuri lore teaches that Gugaa travels far, climbs high, and never wastes energy. It knows every rock, every hollow, and where to find water in dry places. This goanna is not just a hunter. It is a guardian of secrets. In the law of kinship, Gugaa reminds me that we do not act for ourselves alone, but for our people—those present and those yet to come. I carry this understanding as an advocate and cultural custodian. To me, Gugaa is a compass when the road is unclear.
The Little Eagle – Muliyan (Ngarigo Totem)
From the cold winds and high plateaus of the Snowy Mountains, my Ngarigo ancestors gave me Muliyan, the little eagle. Muliyan flies high, sees far, and calls out truth. It is not the largest bird of prey, but it is fast, sharp, and feared. Amongst other tribes, the Ngarigo earned a reputation for aggression—swift retaliation, firm defence of Country, and an unflinching stance against encroachment. This perception was recorded by early anthropologists and settlers who mistook protection for hostility. They saw warriors and labelled them dangerous, not understanding that defending sacred ground is not violence—it is obligation.
The Ngarigo were known for refusing to yield. They kept ceremony alive in the alpine region long after many others were forced to move. They hunted the bogong moth, travelled through snow, and stood their ground even when outsiders tried to erase their culture. To be Ngarigo is to carry a fierce heart. I do not apologise for that. In a world that still challenges our existence, I find pride in that fire.
My Totem - Ngarradan - The Bat (Wiradjuri)
Of all the spirits I walk with, the bat is mine alone. The bat moves through the night, seeing not with its eyes but with instinct. It speaks in frequencies others cannot hear. It knows when to stay still and when to take flight. In many traditions, the bat is seen as a guardian between worlds—one who understands both life and the spirit realm. That is how I see myself. I work in the shadows, listening, learning, advocating for the voiceless.
The bat does not fear the dark—it belongs to it. In that way, I have found power in what others overlook. My totem is my warning and my strength. It reminds me that transformation is possible, that silence can be powerful, and that I am never alone. I fly with Muliyan, walk with Gugaa, and rest beside Iwata.
I Am Because They Were
Each of these totems is more than symbol or story—they are obligations I carry in my blood. I do not own them. They are not mine to boast about. They are kin I protect and from whom I learn. Through Iwata, I am grounded. Through Gugaa, I am connected. Through Muliyan, I am vigilant. And through Ngarradan - The Bat, I remember who I am.
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