Pakadji facts for kids

The Pakadji people, also known as the Koko Yao or Kuuku Ya'u, are an Aboriginal Australian group. They live in the northern part of Queensland, on the Cape York Peninsula. The name Koko Yao means "talk, speech" (koko/kuku) 'this way' (ya'u).

Language and Communication

The Pakadji people speak a language called Pakadji. This language is part of the larger Umpila group of dialects, which are found in North Cape York. The Pakadji also had a special sign language. They used mostly one hand with quick movements to communicate, without needing many other body or face gestures.

Traditional Lands

The traditional land of the Pakadji people covered about 1,300 square miles. This area was around Weymouth Bay, the Pascoe River, and Temple Bay. Their land stretched north to Cape Grenville and southeast to Cape Weymouth. Inland, it reached the Great Dividing Range.

Life and How They Lived

The Pakadji were known as the Kawadji, or "sandbeach people." They lived along the coast and used the rich food sources from the sea, like fish and other marine life.

Their year was divided into two main seasons:

• Kawali: This was the dry season, from April to November. It started with the strong southeast trade winds.
• Wullo Wantjan or Wullo Waiyin: This season meant "when thunder cries." It began in late November or early December with the arrival of the northwest monsoon rains.

During the kawali dry season, the Pakadji often traveled inland. There, they gathered vegetables (mai'yi), yams (dampu), and bush honey. They also collected materials for building, such as wood for spears and grasses for weaving.

Important Ceremonies

Donald Thomson, a researcher, spent four months with the Pakadji people. He was allowed to see their important initiation ceremonies, called Okainta. These ceremonies were a big part of their culture. Thomson learned a lot about stories related to Iwayi, who was known as Old Man Crocodile.

Native Title and Land Rights

On November 25, 2021, a large area of land was officially returned to the Kuuku Ya'u people. This land, about 1,202 square kilometers, is on the eastern side of the Cape York Peninsula. At the same time, 986 square kilometers were given to the Uutaalnganu people.

This decision was part of a native title claim that had been going on for seven years. Native title means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have special rights to their traditional lands and waters. Justice Debra Mortimer from the Federal Court of Australia made this important ruling in Cairns.

A Pakadji Word

• papa (mother)