Giimbiyu people facts for kids
The Giimbiyu were a group of Aboriginal people who lived in the Northern Territory of Australia. Today, their descendants often speak the Kunwinjku language.
Contents
What Language Did They Speak?
The Giimbiyu people spoke a language called Giimbiyu. This language actually had three different forms. These were known as Erre, Mangerr, and Urningannngg. Each form was spoken by a different group of Giimbiyu people.
What Does "Giimbiyu" Mean?
The name Giimbiyu was given to them by the Gaagadju people. It was a way to talk about the three languages spoken in the Alligator Rivers area. In the Gaagadju language, "Giimbiyu" means 'of the rock country'.
Where Did the Giimbiyu Live?
The Giimbiyu's traditional land was around the East Alligator River. This area included Mount Howship and the Red Lily area. It is now part of the famous Kakadu National Park. Their land was west of a place called Gunbalanya. Long ago, this place was known as Oenpelli. In the Erre language, the site was called Uwunbarlany. This old name is where the name Oenpelli came from.
A Brief History
Later, a cattle station was built in the Giimbiyu area. Around this time, the Kunwinjku people moved into the region. They then renamed the area to Gunbalanya.
