Kaniyang facts for kids
The Kaneang are an Indigenous group from the Noongar nation in the southwestern part of Western Australia. They are one of many Aboriginal groups who have lived on this land for thousands of years, caring for their country and passing down their traditions.
Kaneang Country
The Kaneang people traditionally lived on a large area of land, covering about 12,430 square kilometers (which is about 4,800 square miles). This land was very important to them, providing everything they needed.
Their country stretched around the Upper Blackwood River. The eastern edge of their land followed a line from Katanning through Tambellup, Cranbrook, and Tenterden.
Kaneang lands also included areas like Kojonup, Qualeup, Donnybrook, Greenbushes, and Bridgetown. They often camped near the beginnings of the Warren and Frankland rivers. They also lived along the southern side of the Collie River, reaching as far as Collie.
Other Names for Kaneang People
Sometimes, different groups of people had different names for the Kaneang. This was common among Aboriginal groups, as names could come from neighboring tribes or from features of the land.
Here are some other names that were used for the Kaneang:
- Kunjung or Kunyung (a name given by the Koreng people)
- Kadbaranggara (a name from the Wiilman people, meaning "fire")
- Jabururu (a Menang word meaning "northerners")
- Yobberore
- Uduc-Harvey tribe
- Kaleap (a name related to a place)
- Qualeup, Qualup, Quailup
- Waal
Some Words from the Nyungar Language
Language is a very important part of any culture, and the Kaneang people speak a dialect of the Nyungar language. Learning a few words helps us understand more about their way of life.
Here are some words from their language:
- mammon (father)
- nongan (mother)
- yungar (kangaroo)
- weja (emu)
- dwoda (tame dog)
- yakkine (wild dog)
- iunja (white man)
- gootang-boola' (children)
- quabba (good)
- wakine (bad)
