Yeidji facts for kids

The Yeidji people, also known as Yiiji or Gwini (sometimes spelled Kwini), are an Aboriginal Australian group. They come from the Kimberley region in Western Australia. They also call themselves Balanggarra.

Who Are the Yeidji People?

The Yeidji people are often called Gwini or Kwini today. A researcher named Norman Tindale wrote in 1974 that Gwini meant "easterners" to people living further inland. Another name, Kujini, referred to those living near the coast. It can be a bit confusing because several groups in this area, including the Miwa, are sometimes called the "Forrest River people." The Yeidji are sometimes included in this group.

Where Do the Yeidji Live?

The Yeidji people traditionally lived in an area of about 1,000 square miles (2,600 km²). This land stretched from the coast of Cambridge Gulf along the Forrest River to the Milligan ranges. Their southern border reached Steere Hills, and their northern border was near Mount Carty and the Lyne River.

They shared borders with other Aboriginal groups:

• The Wilawila people were to their west.
• The Wenamba people were to their northwest.
• The Wirngir people were to their east.
• The Arnga people were on their southern border.

Today, the Yeidji are recognized as the traditional owners of Sir Graham Moore Island. This island is off the Kimberley coast. Stories passed down through generations, along with old items found by archaeologists, show that the Yeidji had contact with Makassan traders from the 1700s onwards.

What Language Do the Yeidji Speak?

The language spoken by the Yeidji people is called Yiiji. It is a dialect of the Wunambal language.

Other Names for the Yeidji

Over time, the Yeidji people have been known by several different names and spellings. These include:

• Yiiji
• Yeidji, Yeithi, Yeidthee, Yeeji, Yedji, Jeidji, Jeithi
• Gwi:ni, Gwini, Kuini (meaning "easterners")
• Kujini, Gu:jini, Kuini, Gujini
• Ombalkari (a place name east of the Forrest River Mission)
• Umbalgari
• Miwu (possibly a name for their language)
• Miwadange ("saltwater people")
• Waringnari, Waringari (a term sometimes used by others, suggesting cannibalism)
• Morokorei (a specific group from the Forrest River area)
• Wunambal
• Pikkolatpan
• Bugay
• Worrorran