Tatungalung people facts for kids
The Tatungalung are an Aboriginal Australian people from the state of Victoria. They are part of a larger group called the Gunai/Kurnai nation, which includes other groups like the Bratauolung, Braiakaulung, Brabiralung, and Krauatungalung.
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What's in a Name?
The word tatung means 'south'. This name shows that the Tatungalung lived in the southernmost part of the Gunai people's lands.
Tatungalung Language
The Tatungalung people spoke their own special language or dialect. It was called Nulit. This language was similar to the dialects spoken by the Brataualung and Braiakaulung peoples.
Traditional Lands
The Tatungalung lived on traditional lands that stretched for about 1,800 square kilometres (700 sq mi). Their country was along the coast of Ninety Mile Beach. It also included areas around Lakes Victoria and Wellington. A group of Tatungalung people also lived on Raymond Island. Their land reached from Lakes Entrance in the east to the mouth of Merriman Creek in the west.
How They Lived Together
The Tatungalung people were organised into different groups called 'hordes' or clans. These groups lived in specific areas of their traditional lands. One special clan was called the Biinjil-baur. They lived on Raymond Island. This group had a unique right: they owned all the swans' eggs laid on the island. This shows that Aboriginal people had clear ideas about who owned certain resources.
A Glimpse into History
There is a story about a conflict between the Tatungalung and the Brabiralung people. The Brabiralung planned a surprise attack on the Tatungalung. They used a hill near Raymond Island to hide and prepare their ambush. This was to get revenge for one of their men being killed.
Other Names for Tatungalung
Over time, the Tatungalung people have been known by several different names:
- Boul-boul
- Nulit (This name also referred to the language spoken by the Tatungalung and Bratauolung peoples.)
- Tatoongolong
- Tatung
- Tatunga
- Tirtalawakani
- Tirthung
