Weilwan facts for kids

The Weilwan people are an Aboriginal Australian group from New South Wales, Australia. They are part of the larger Ngiyampaa nation. The Weilwan have a rich history and culture, deeply connected to their traditional lands.

What's in a Name?

The name Weilwan comes from their language. It means "no" in the Ngiyambaa language, using the word weil, wail, or wayil. Like other Ngiyampaa groups, the Weilwan also named themselves after their home country.

Speaking the Weilwan Way

The Weilwan people spoke a special dialect of the Ngiyampaa language. This dialect is called "Ngiyampaa Wayilwan". Because of this, they also called themselves "those who speak Ngiyampaa the Wayilwan way".

Weilwan Country and Home

The traditional lands of the Weilwan people covered about 13,000 square kilometers (5,000 square miles). Their country stretched along the southern bank of the Barwon River. This area went from Brewarrina to Walgett. Their lands also followed Marra Creek and the Castlereagh, Marthaguy, and Macquarie rivers. Their southern border was near Quambone and around Coonamble.

How Weilwan Society Was Organized

The Weilwan people lived in different family groups. These groups are called kin groups. One of these groups that we know about was called the Waiabara.

Other Names for the Weilwan

Over time, the Weilwan people have been known by several different names. Many of these names come from their language.