Baruŋgam facts for kids
The Baruŋgam are an Aboriginal Australian people from the Southeast Queensland area. They have a rich history and culture connected to their traditional lands.
Contents
Baruŋgam Language
The earliest known list of words from the Barunggam language was put together by Harriott Barlow. She was from Warkon Station, near the Balonne River. This wordlist was published in 1873, helping us learn about their language.
Traditional Lands
The Baruŋgam people lived on a large area of land in Queensland's Western Downs Region. Their traditional country was about 7,900 square miles (20,460 square kilometers). It stretched from the start of the Condamine River, east of Jackson, all the way to the area near Dalby.
Their land also included places like Tara, Chinchilla, and Jandowae. To the west, their country reached towards Wongorgera and Woleebee. The Baruŋgam shared borders with other Aboriginal groups, such as the Jarowair to the southeast and the Wakawaka to the northeast, near the Great Dividing Range.
History of the Baruŋgam Country
In the early 1840s, new settlers began to arrive in the lands west and southeast of Brisbane. These areas were known for their beautiful, park-like landscapes and tall grasslands. Many settlers, often from Scotland, brought large numbers of sheep and cattle to the region.
This arrival of new people and livestock changed the land and the way of life for the Baruŋgam and other local Aboriginal groups, like the Jarowair. The settlers began to establish farms and stations, leading to big changes in the traditional lands.
Other Names for Baruŋgam
The Baruŋgam people are also known by several other names. These include:
- Barungam
- Gogai or Cogai
- Kogai (this name was also used for languages of some western neighbours)
- Murrumgama, Murrungama, or Murrumningama
- Parrungoom