Tjurabalan facts for kids

The Tjurabalan (say "Jura-palan") are a group of people who traditionally lived a nomadic life in the desert. They come from the edge of the Tanami Desert in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Their traditional lands are near Sturt Creek and Lake Gregory, also known as The Paraku Lake system.

Tjurabalan Language and Culture

The Tjurabalan people speak languages that are part of the larger Djaru and Walmajarri language groups. These languages are important for their culture and traditions.

Tjurabalan Community Life

In 2003, about 1,200 Tjurabalan people lived together. They are part of a strong community.

Tjurabalan Traditional Lands

The Tjurabalan people live in the Tanami Desert. Their traditional lands are close to the Ngurrara people's lands. Several communities are located within Tjurabalan country. These include Ringer Soak (also called Kundat Djaru), Billiluna, Mulan, and Balgo. A place called the Coyote Gold Mine is also on their traditional land.

Tjurabalan History and Contact

In the past, explorers like David Carnegie and Alfred Canning traveled through Tjurabalan lands. These explorers sometimes asked local people to help them find fresh water.

For a long time, the Tjurabalan people did not have much contact with people from outside their communities. This changed more in the 1950s.

Stories passed down through generations talk about events that happened in the past. In 2017, studies helped confirm some of these oral traditions.

Tjurabalan Native Title Rights

In 2001, the Tjurabalan people won an important legal case. It was called Ngalpil vs. Western Australia. This case recognized their native title rights. This means they have special rights to about 26,000 square kilometers (about 10,000 square miles) of their traditional lands. This was a big step in recognizing their connection to their country.