Nyangumarta people facts for kids
The Nyangumarta people are an amazing group of Aboriginal people from the northwest coast of Western Australia. You might also see their name written as Njangamada or Njanjamarta. They are traditionally split into two main groups: the Kundal and the Iparuka.
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Nyangumarta Language
The Nyangumarta people speak the Nyangumarta language. It's part of a bigger language family called Pama–Nyungan languages. This family includes many Aboriginal languages across Australia. Nyangumarta is also part of a smaller group called Marrngu languages. Other languages in this group are Mangarla and Karajarri.
Traditional Lands
The Nyangumarta people have lived on their traditional lands for thousands of years. The Kundal group's country covered about 41,400 square kilometres (16,000 square miles). The Iparuka group's country was around 22,500 square kilometres (8,700 square miles).
Together, their lands stretch from the Great Sandy Desert in the south. They go all the way up to Eighty Mile Beach on the coast. Important places within their country include Pardoo Station, Wallal Downs Station, and Anna Plains Station.
Life Today
Many Nyangumarta people now live in towns like Broome, Bidyadanga, and Port Hedland. Even though they live in towns, they still love to visit their traditional country regularly. Visiting their country helps them stay connected to their culture and heritage.
Native Title Rights
In 2009, the Federal Court of Australia officially recognised the Nyangumarta people's native title rights. This means the court agreed that they are the traditional owners of their country. Native title is a special legal right. It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a deep connection to their land. It also recognises their traditional laws and customs.
Other Names for Nyangumarta
Over time, the Nyangumarta people have been known by several different names. Some of these names include:
- Njangamada
- Nyangamada
- Njangumarda
- Njanjamarta
- Kundal (for the northern coastal group)
- Iparuka (used by southern groups)
