Olkolo facts for kids
The Olkolo people are an Indigenous Australian group. They come from the central and eastern parts of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, Australia. They are also known by names like Koko-olkola'.
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Olkolo Language
The Olkolo people speak the Olkola language. This language is part of the Kunjen group of languages. It's similar to other languages in that group, like Uw Oykangand, meaning speakers can often understand each other.
Traditional Lands
The Olkolo are the traditional owners of a large area of land. This means their ancestors have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years. Their traditional country covers about 6,200 square kilometers (2,400 square miles). It stretches from the Middle Coleman River south to the Crosbie River. It also includes parts of the western Quinkan region.
Way of Life and Environment
The Olkolo people are known as Kawadji, or "sandbeach people." They lived near the coast and used the resources from the sea, like fish and shellfish, from the Coral Sea. Their daily life and search for food followed the two main seasons in their area.
Seasons and Foraging
The first season is the dry season, from April to November. During this time, strong south-east winds blow. The second season is the northwest monsoon season, which starts in late November or early December.
During the dry season, the Olkolo would sometimes move inland. There, they would gather plants and wood. But for most of the year, they camped along the shores. This allowed them to easily access the ocean's resources.
Olkolo History
By the late 1800s, some Olkolo people were found living south of their traditional lands, near Coen. A man named Willy Long, from Laura, later shared a story from his parents. They survived a difficult event that happened in 1889.
Historical Events
This event involved 40 police officers from Musgrave police station. The Olkolo people were surprised and tried to escape into swamps. Sadly, many were harmed during this time. This was one of several similar events that took place in 1889.
Other Names for Olkolo
The Olkolo people are also known by several other names, including:
- Koko Olkol
- Koko Olkolo
- Koko-olkol
- Ol'kol
- Olkulo
- Koka-ollugul
- Ulkulu
- Wulgulu
- Olgolo
- Olcoola
