Manbarra facts for kids

The Manbarra people, also known as the Wulgurukaba, are Aboriginal Australian people. They are the traditional custodians of the Palm Islands, Magnetic Island, and an area of mainland Queensland west of Townsville.

In the 1890s, the Queensland Government forcibly moved the Manbarra people from the Palm Islands. Later, in 1914, hundreds of people from many different Aboriginal nations were moved to an Aboriginal reserve on Great Palm Island. These people became known as the Bwgcolman people, who live on the island today.

What Does Their Name Mean?

The name "Wulgurukaba" has a special meaning. It translates to "canoe people." This shows their strong connection to the water and their traditional way of life.

Their Language

The Manbarra people spoke a language called Wulguru/Manbarra. It was one of two special languages from the Nyawaygic group. Sadly, not much information about its grammar has survived.

However, some words were collected in 1932. These words show that the Manbarra language shared about half of its vocabulary with the Nyawaygi language. Another language, Buluguyban, was also spoken on the island. It was very similar to Manbarra.

Where Did They Live?

The traditional lands of the Wulgurukaba people covered about 1,000 square miles (2,600 square kilometers). This area included the islands near Townsville, like the Palm Islands and Magnetic Island.

It also stretched inland about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Townsville. This land went from the Ross River almost to Cape Cleveland.

Early European Contact

When James Cook visited in 1770, there were an estimated 200 Manbarra people. By the late 1800s, their numbers had dropped to about 50. Many had left the island to fish for bêche-de-mer (sea cucumbers) with Europeans.

In 1909, a government official visited the island. He was checking on Japanese pearling crews. He found a small camp of Aboriginal people. Most Manbarra people had been forcibly moved to the mainland in the 1890s. The last Wulgurukaba person living on Great Palm Island passed away in 1962.

Dreamtime Stories

The Manbarra people have amazing dreamtime legends. One important story tells of a powerful creative serpent named Gubbal. Gubbal was a carpet snake.

The legend says Gubbal slithered down the Herbert River. Then, he swam across the sea. As he swam, his body broke apart. Pieces of his back became the Palm Islands, and his head formed Magnetic Island.

A Story of Return: Tambo

In 1883, a Manbarra man named Tambo (also known as Kukamunburra) was taken from his home. He was shipped to the United States by a showman. This was because P. T. Barnum wanted people from "savage races" for his traveling circus.

Tambo died the next year in Ohio. His mummified remains were first shown in a museum. Then, they were stored in a funeral home basement for a century. In the 1990s, his remains were discovered. The Manbarra community asked for his return. In 1994, Tambo's remains were finally brought back home.

His reburial followed traditional funeral rites that had not been practiced for many years. This event was very important for the Manbarra people. It helped them renew their culture and strengthen their identity.

Recognizing Traditional Ownership

Native title is a legal way to recognize the traditional rights and interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land and waters.

In July 2012, a part of Magnetic Island was given to the Wulgurukaba people. This was a special type of native title called freehold. The Queensland government also said it would give the Wulgurukaba Yunbenun Aboriginal Corporation control over another 55 hectares.

The Manbarra people have not been given legal status as traditional owners of the Palm Islands. This is because the Bwgcolman people, who are descendants of over 40 different tribes, were forcibly moved to the Palm Island Aboriginal Settlement starting in 1918. They are now the "historical people" who live on the island.

Other Names for the Manbarra People

• Buruku'man, Burugu'man (This was a local name for Great Palm Island)
• Korambelbara (Warakamai exonym - a name given by another group)
• Mun-ba-rah