Calyute facts for kids

Calyute (lived around 1833–1840), also known as Kalyute, Galyute, or Wongir, was an Aboriginal Australian leader. He was known for leading resistance against white settlers in the early days of the Swan River Colony in Western Australia. Calyute was a member of the Pindjarup people. His people lived near the Murray River area, south of Perth. Calyute's family included his brothers Woodan and Yanmar, his wives Mindup and Yamup, and his sons Ninia and Monang.

Calyute: A Pindjarup Leader

Life and Challenges

When Thomas Peel and his settlers arrived, they built a settlement at the mouth of the Murray River. This took away important food sources from the Pindjarup people. The arrival of white settlers greatly changed the Pindjarup lands.

The Flour Raid

On April 24, 1834, Calyute led a group of 20 to 30 Pindjarup men and women. They raided Shenton's Mill in South Perth. During this raid, they took a large amount of flour. People believe that growing tensions caused this raid. There had been a disagreement a few months before between the Pindjarup people and the Noongars from the Swan River area. Also, Aboriginal dogs sometimes killed settlers' livestock. Settlers also killed kangaroos, which were a food source for Aboriginal people. These things added to the problems between the groups.

After the raid, soldiers searched for Calyute. Thomas Peel, a major landholder in the Murray District, encouraged this search. Captain Ellis led the soldiers. They captured Calyute and two other Pindjarup men, Yedong and Monang. All three were hurt during their capture. They were taken to Perth and publicly punished. Calyute received severe treatment and was then held at Fremantle Prison. He was released on June 10, 1834.

The Attack on Peel's Property

A few weeks after Calyute was released, he and Yedong were part of another attack. They raided Peel's property near Mandurah in July. During this attack, a young servant of Peel's, Private Hugh Nesbitt, was killed. Former Sergeant Edward Barron was also hurt. This was the first time a settler, who had been friendly to Aboriginal people, was killed after being led into the bush. Calyute's reason for this attack was likely revenge for his harsh treatment in Perth.

The Pinjarra Conflict

Settlers were becoming very worried. Governor James Stirling had previously tried to be understanding in conflicts. But now, he felt pressure from the settlers. He gathered 25 soldiers and settlers to find those responsible for the attack on Peel's property. Governor Stirling, John Septimus Roe, and Thomas Peel were all part of this group.

On October 28, 1834, the armed soldiers surprised a Pindjarup camp. The camp was on the banks of the Murray River, south of the town of Pinjarra. Between 60 and 80 Pindjarup people were caught in the conflict. The exact number of people who died is still debated.

Calyute, Yedong, and several others managed to escape. They fled towards Lake Clifton.

What Happened Later?

We do not know much about Calyute's life after these events. In May 1840, his group attacked a Noongar camp near Perth. Five people were speared during this attack. There are no other records of Calyute after this time. It is believed he lived to an old age.