Wanggumara facts for kids

The Wanggumara people, also known by names like Wangkumara or Wongkumara, are an Aboriginal group from the state of Queensland, Australia. They have a rich history and culture, connected deeply to their traditional lands.

Who Are the Wanggumara People?

The Wanggumara are one of the many Aboriginal peoples who have lived in Australia for thousands of years. They have their own unique customs, languages, and ways of life. Their history is an important part of Australia's story.

What Languages Did They Speak?

The Wanggumara people spoke at least two main languages. One was called Old Wankumara. This language was spoken near the Bulloo River alongside the Kalali people. Sadly, the last speakers of Old Wankumara passed away in the late 20th century, meaning the language is no longer actively spoken.

Another language, sometimes called 'Modern' Wankumara, was spoken along the Wilson River. This language was similar to what other nearby groups spoke. The term 'modern' simply means it was spoken more recently by the Wanggumara people than Old Wankumara.

Where Did the Wanggumara Live?

The traditional lands of the Wanggumara people covered a large area, about 4,500 square miles (11,650 square kilometers). These lands stretched from Cooper Creek east of places like Nappa Merrie and Orientos. They also included the area around the temporary Wilson River at Nockatunga.

Neighboring Aboriginal Groups

In 1886, a writer named F. W. Myles described the groups living next to the Wanggumara. To the south, they had the Poidgerry and Bitharra peoples. To the west were the Thiralla and Eromarra groups. To the north lived the Bunthomarra and Murgoin peoples. The same Murgoin group was also to their east.

How Did Contact with Settlers Affect Them?

The first European settlers arrived in the Wanggumara lands around 1863. Within about 20 years, the number of Wanggumara people had greatly reduced, with only about 90 people remaining. Those who survived often moved to places like Chastleton and NCarcowlah, where they lived alongside the Kalali people. This period of contact brought many changes to their traditional way of life.

How Were Wanggumara Communities Organized?

The Wanggumara people were organized into groups often called 'hordes' or clans. These were like family groups or communities within the larger Wanggumara nation. Two possible clan names that are still known today are:

• Balpamadramadra (which might have been a clan near Nappa Merrie)
• Jaramarala (which might have been a clan near Baryulah)

Other Names for the Wanggumara

The Wanggumara people have been known by several different names over time. Some of these include:

• Wangkumara
• Wonkamara
• Wonkomarra
• Wonkamarra
• Wonkamura
• Wonkamurra
• Wonkubara
• Wanggumara
• Papagunu (a name used by the Yandruwandha people, which was not a respectful term)
• Balpamadramadra
• Jaramarala

Learn Some Wanggumara Words!

Here are a few words from the Wanggumara language:

• mari (This word means dog, whether it's a wild dingo or a tame pet.)
• wanyu (This word means father.)
• unu (This word means mother.)
• doona (This word means whiteman, but it originally meant "ghost.")