Murri people Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Murri People
Regions with significant populations
Queensland, North West New South Wales
Languages
English, Maric languages (e.g. Darumbal), Bundjalung, Djabugay, Dyirbal
Related ethnic groups
Koori peoples, Nunga, Nyoongar, Palawah, Wangai, Yamatji

The Murri people are Aboriginal Australians who traditionally live in Queensland and north-western New South Wales. The word "Murri" is a special name, or demonym, that these communities use for themselves. Using names from their own Indigenous languages helps them show pride in their culture and history.

Many different groups of people are included under the name Murri. Some of these groups are the Kamilaroi and Yuggera peoples. Many Murri people love to play rugby league, and the yearly Murri Rugby League Carnival is a very important event in their sports calendar.

Murri History
Murri Language Groups
Murri Courts
Murri Sport
Other Names for Indigenous Groups
Famous Murri People
Images for kids
See also

Murri History

Sadly, many Murri people were forced to leave their traditional lands. They were moved to special places called missions and Aboriginal reserves. Often, they were placed with other tribes they did not know well, or even tribes they had disagreements with.

From 1900 until 1972, a large number of Murri children were taken from their families. This sad time is known as the Stolen Generations. These children were placed in homes or institutions, and it caused great pain for their families and communities.

In 1962, all Aboriginal people in Australia, including the Murri, were given the right to vote in federal elections. They also gained free access to places like Musgrave Park. Today, Murri people own and run their own radio network, which helps them share their culture and news.

Murri Language Groups

Many Murri peoples spoke languages from the Mari family. This language family was named after the Murri people. However, the way people are grouped by their background and their language does not always match up perfectly.

Here are some of the specific language groups that are part of the Murri people:

Butchulla (Batjala)
Baruŋgam
Bayali
Birri Gubba (Birigaba, Biria)
Bundjalung
Darumbal
Djabugay
Dyirbal (Jirrbal)
Gangulu
Goreng Goreng
Gubbi Gubbi
Guwinmal (Koinjmal)
Jandai
Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay)
Mamu
Turrbul
Wakka Wakka
Wangaibon
Weilwan (Wayilwan)
Wik peoples like the Wik Munkin
Yuggera (Jagera)

Murri Courts

Murri Courts are special courts in Queensland designed to help with sentencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These courts were first started in August 2002. They aim to make the legal process more fair and culturally appropriate for Indigenous people.

The Murri Courts were closed down in September 2012 to save money. However, they were reopened in April 2016 by the new Palaszczuk government. This showed how important these courts are to the community.

Murri Sport

Since 2011, the yearly Murri Rugby League Carnival has been a big event. It gets support from the Arthur Beetson Foundation and the Deadly Choices organisation. This four-day carnival is a chance for players to show their skills.

From the carnival, players are chosen to join the Queensland Murri Rugby League Team. This team then plays against other teams from Australia or other countries. It's a great way for Murri players to represent their community and culture through sport.

Other Names for Indigenous Groups

Using names from Australian Aboriginal languages is a way for people and organisations to show pride in their heritage. Just like "Murri" is used in Queensland and north-western New South Wales, there are other special names for Indigenous groups in different parts of Australia: