Pangerang facts for kids
The Pangerang people, also known as Bangerang or Bangarang, are one of Australia's First Peoples. They traditionally lived in what is now north-eastern Victoria. Their lands stretched along the Murray River all the way to Echuca. They also lived in parts of the southern Riverina area of New South Wales. Some experts believe they were part of the larger Yorta Yorta group. However, this article will talk about them as a separate group.
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Traditional Pangerang Lands
The Pangerang people lived on a large area of land. It covered about 6,700 square kilometres (2,600 square miles). This land included the lower Goulburn River valley. It also reached west towards the Murray River.
Their traditional country included areas east and west of Shepparton. It also took in towns like Wangaratta, Benalla, and Kyabram. The southern parts of their land reached as far as Toolamba and Violet Town.
Pangerang Social Structure
The Pangerang people were made up of different groups or clans. These groups are sometimes called "hordes" by researchers. According to Norman Tindale, there were eight main groups. Other groups have also been mentioned.
- Moiraduban
- Waningotbun (found near Kotupna)
- Maragan (sometimes called Maraban)
- Owanguttha
We know more about two specific Pangerang clans. These are the Wongatpan and the Towroonban. The Wongatpan people were known for loving fish. The Towroonban people were skilled at hunting opossums. We know more about them because an early researcher, Edward Micklethwaite Curr, lived in their area.
Other Names for Pangerang Groups
The Pangerang people and their groups were known by several different names. These names include:
- Panggarang, Pangorang, Pangurang, Pine-gorine, Pine-go-rine, Pinegerine, Pinegorong
- Bangerang, Banjgaranj
- Pallaganmiddah
- Jabalajabala (This name was used for western Pangerang groups. It comes from the word jabala, meaning no.)
- Yaballa, Yabula-yabula
- Waningotbun
- Maragan
- Owanguttha
- Yurt (This name was used by people from the north. It comes from jurta, meaning no.)
- Yoorta
- Moiraduban
- Moitheriban
- Bangarang
Pangerang History
The Pangerang people faced many challenges after European settlers arrived. Some Pangerang people lost their lives during conflicts. One such event happened near Moira Swamp and Lake Barmah.
