Kureinji facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kureinji Traditional lands New South Wales
Murray River on Kureinji lands
Kureinji Traditional lands Location in New South Wales

The Kureinji people, also known as the Keramin, are an Aboriginal group from Australia. Their traditional lands are in the southwest of New South Wales, along the north side of the Murray River. This area is roughly between the towns of Euston and Wentworth today. The Kureinji have a rich history and culture connected to this important river region.

Kureinji Language and Culture

The Kureinji language was one of about 35 languages spoken in this part of southwestern New South Wales. This area is around and north of the border with Victoria.

The Kureinji language belongs to the Lower Murray languages group. It is closely related to the Yitayita and Dadi Dadi languages. Together, they form a special language family.

Kureinji Traditional Lands

The Kureinji people's traditional lands cover about 1,700 square miles (4,400 square kilometers). These lands are mostly along the northern banks of the Murray River. They stretch from near Euston downstream to Wentworth.

Across the river from the Kureinji lands is Mildura. This town is on the traditional land of the Latji Latji people. Europeans first settled in Mildura in 1847.

Signs of Kureinji Life

Part of the Kureinji traditional land is now Kemendok National Park. In this park, you can still find signs of the Kureinji people's long history. These signs include:

• Scar trees: Trees where bark was removed for tools or canoes.
• Fire hearths: Old fireplaces used for cooking or warmth.
• Flaked stone artefacts: Tools made from chipped stones.
• Burial sites: Places where people were buried.
• Middens: Piles of shells or other food remains.

Kureinji History and Heritage

In 1830, explorer Charles Sturt traveled through Kureinji country. However, he did not specifically mention the Kureinji people. Later, in 1862, Charles Lockhart also passed through the area. Today, many Kureinji people live in Mildura.

Protecting Ancestral Remains

During the time of European settlement, some ancestral remains were taken from burial sites. These sites were along the New South Wales side of the Murray River. These remains became part of a collection known as the Murray Black Collection.

Today, Aboriginal groups, including the Kureinji, are working to have these ancestral remains returned to their traditional lands. This process is called repatriation. It is an important step in respecting and honoring their ancestors.

Other Names for Kureinji

The Kureinji people have been known by several different names over time. Some of these names include:

• Garnghes
• Grangema
• Jungeegatchere
• Kareingi
• Karin
• Kemendok
• Keramin
• Kerinma, Karinma, Karingma
• Kianigane
• Kinenekinene
• Orangema (this is a misprint)
• Pintwa