Wardandi facts for kids
The Wadandi people, also known as Wardandi and other names, are an Aboriginal group from the southwest of Western Australia. They are one of fourteen language groups that make up the larger Noongar peoples. The Wadandi have a rich history and deep connection to their traditional lands.
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What Does "Wadandi" Mean?
The name "Wadandi" has a few possible meanings. One idea is that it comes from a word for "crow" (wardan). However, some old word lists say the Wadandi word for crow is actually kwa:kum, so this idea might not be right.
Another theory suggests the name means "seacoast people." This makes sense because the Wadandi lived near the ocean. Some sources say words like waatu or waatern mean "the ocean." A third idea is that the name comes from a word meaning "no."
Where Do the Wadandi Live?
The traditional lands of the Wadandi people cover about 1,800 square miles (4,700 square kilometers). Their country is mostly along the coast, stretching from Bunbury down to Cape Leeuwin. It includes places like Busselton and Geographe Bay. Inland, their country reaches the area around Nannup.
The Wadandi were the only people living in this area for an amazing 45,000 years! This was long before British settlers arrived in Augusta in 1830. They are part of the Bibbulmun (Noongar) peoples.
What Language Do the Wadandi Speak?
The Wadandi people speak a special type of the Doonan and Dwordan dialects continuum. This specific dialect is known as Wadandi.
Ancient Discoveries in Wadandi Country
Wadandi traditional owners helped archaeologists find an important site near Flinders Bay in Augusta. In 2021, researchers dug at this spot on a granite rock. They found grooves and other signs that people were grinding stones there to make tools about 9,700 years ago! This shows how long the Wadandi people have been connected to their land and how skilled they were.
Other Names for the Wadandi People
The Wadandi people have been known by several different names and spellings over time. These include:
- Waddarndi, Wadarndee, Wardandie, Wardandi
- Wadjandi
- Belliman
- Geographe Bay and Vasse tribe
- Bunbury tribe
- Kardagur (meaning "between" the two seas)
- Dardanup (a place name)
- Dordenup
- Dunanwongi (a language name)
- Doonin
- Dornderupwongy
- Jabaru (meaning "north" among northern tribes)
- Yabaroo
- Nghungar (njunga is an eastern tribe word for "man")
