Gawambaraay facts for kids
The Gawambaraay (also called Kawambarai) are an Aboriginal Australian people. They are closely connected to the Gamilaraay (Kamilaroi) people. Their traditional lands are in the central-western part of New South Wales, Australia.
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Who are the Gawambaraay People?
The Gawambaraay are one of the many First Peoples of Australia. They have a rich history and culture. Their traditions are deeply connected to the land they lived on for thousands of years.
What Does Their Name Mean?
The name Gawambaraay or Kawambarai likely comes from a word in their language. This word, kawam, means 'no'. Another name used for the tribe was Wirriri. This name also seems to come from a word meaning 'no', which is wir:i.
Their Language: Gamilaraay Dialect
The Gawambaraay people spoke a language called Gawambaraay or Kawambarai. This language is a dialect of the larger Gamilaraay language group. Learning about their language helps us understand their culture.
Where Did the Gawambaraay Live?
The traditional lands of the Kawambarai people covered a large area. According to Norman Tindale, their lands were about 8,000 square miles (20,700 square kilometers). These lands were mainly around the upper Castlereagh River and the middle parts of the Macquarie River. They also lived in parts of the Liverpool Plains. Their lands stretched south to the area where Dubbo is today.
Connections to Other Peoples
The Kawambarai people had strong ties to the Gamilaroi people. They shared many cultural practices and traditions. This connection shows how different Aboriginal groups lived together and supported each other.
Other Names for the Gawambaraay
The Gawambaraay people were known by several different names. These names were used by various groups or at different times.
- Cooinburri
- Gawambarai
- Goinberai
- Guinbrai, Guinberai
- Kawarnparai
- Koinbere, Koinberi
- Koinberri
- Mole tribe
- Wirriri
- Wirriwirri
- Wooratherie
Some Gawambaraay Words
Here are a few words from the Gawambaraay language. Learning some words helps us appreciate their culture.
- bubbeen/bobbeen/babin (father)
- gunnie/koonie/gunnee/gunnibong (mother)
- kubbun, gibrigal (goeen) (gunwan) (whiteman)
- meerie/merri (tame dog)
- womboin, bundar
