Walgalu facts for kids
The Walgalu are an Aboriginal group of people. They traditionally lived in the high country of southeast New South Wales, Australia. Some people think the Ngambri group might be part of the Walgalu. However, they are often seen as a separate group.
Contents
Understanding the Walgalu Language
Some experts believe the Walgalu people spoke a language. This language was very similar to, or a type of, the Ngarigo language.
Walgalu Traditional Lands
The Walgalu people lived on a large area of land. This land was about 2,600 square miles (6,700 square kilometers). It was mainly around where the Murrumbidgee and Tumut rivers begin.
Key Places in Walgalu Country
The town of Kiandra was within their traditional lands. Their land stretched south towards Tintaldra. To the northeast, it reached Queanbeyan.
Some researchers, like Josephine Flood, suggest their land went even further south. They might have lived near the upper Murray River. This area included Kauwambal, between Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Cobberas. This means they might have camped west of the Djilamatang people in summer.
Different Views on Boundaries
It can be tricky to know the exact borders of Aboriginal groups. This is because old records are not always clear. Also, language areas don't always match cultural group boundaries perfectly.
The local government in Cooma has done recent studies. They say there were two main Aboriginal groups in their area. The Ngarigo people lived on the tablelands. The Wogul or Wolgalu group lived in the high country.
Other Names for the Walgalu People
The Walgalu people were known by several other names, including:
- Guramal (This name means "hostile men" in the Wiradjuri language)
- Gurmal
- Tumut River people
- Tumut tribe
- Walgadu
- Wolgah
- Wolgal
- Murrin
