Kuyani facts for kids
The Kuyani people, also known as the Guyani or Nganitjidi, are an Aboriginal Australian group from South Australia. They traditionally spoke the Kuyani language. Their homeland is located to the west of the Flinders Ranges.
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The Kuyani People
The Kuyani are one of Australia's many Aboriginal peoples, who have lived on this land for thousands of years. They have a rich history and deep connection to their traditional lands.
Their Traditional Lands
The Kuyani people's traditional lands covered a large area, about 34,000 square kilometers (13,200 square miles). This land stretched north from Parachilna to Marree on the western side of the Flinders Ranges. Their land also reached Murnpeowie in the northeast and Turret Range and Andamooka in the west.
An important part of their country was the area north of Lake Torrens. The Kuyani called Lake Torrens Ngarndamukia, which means "shower of rain." For the Kuyani, this lake was very special. A Kuyani woman named Regina McKenzie explained that her people were the "law holders" for the lake's culture.
The Kuyani people living near Beltana and Leigh Creek were known as the Adjnjakujani. This name comes from the word adjna, meaning "hill," because they lived in hilly areas. Those who lived closer to Lake Torrens were called Wartakujani, meaning "plainspeople."
The Adnyamathanha people, whose language is very similar to Kuyani, are their neighbors to the east.
Different Names for the Kuyani
Over time, the Kuyani people have been known by several different names and spellings. These include:
- Kujani
- Kuyanni
- Kwiani
- Kwiana
- Kooyiannie
- Gujani
- Owinia
- Cooyiannie
- Kooyeeunna
- Kooteeunna
- Nganitjidi (This name was given by the Barngarla and means "those who sneak and kill by night.")
- Ngannityiddi
The Kuyani Language
Sadly, the Kuyani language is no longer spoken today. The last known speakers were recorded in 1975, meaning the language is now considered extinct.
A Few Kuyani Words
Even though the language is no longer spoken, we know a few words that give us a glimpse into the Kuyani language:
- wilker – This word means "dog," and it was used for both pet dogs and wild dogs.
- papi – This word means "father."
- comie or knumie – These words mean "mother."
- coodnoo – This word was used to refer to a "white man."
