Arakwal people facts for kids
The Arakwal people are an important group of Aboriginal Australian people. They come from the beautiful coastal areas of New South Wales in Australia.
Who are the Arakwal People?
The Arakwal are one of the many Aboriginal groups who have lived in Australia for thousands of years. They have a rich culture and deep connection to their land. Their traditions and stories are passed down through generations.
Arakwal Traditional Lands
The Arakwal people's traditional lands cover a large area in New South Wales. According to historical records, their territory was about 1,800 square kilometres (700 square miles). This land stretched from Ballina and the northern side of the Richmond River. It went all the way to Cape Byron, which is the most easterly point of mainland Australia.
Their lands also extended inland. They reached places like Lismore, Casino, and Coraki. At Ballina, their traditional country met the lands of the Widje groups, who are part of the larger Badjelang nation.
Other Names for the Arakwal
Like many Aboriginal groups, the Arakwal people have been known by several different names over time. These names might have come from different dialects, neighbouring groups, or early European records. Some of these names include:
- Coo-al
- Jawjumjeri
- Kahwul
- Kogung
- Lismore tribe
- Naiang
- Njung
- Nyung
- Yawkum-yore
One of the names, Yawkum-yore, came from their word for 'no', which was yikum. This shows how language can sometimes lead to the names people are called.
