Yukul people facts for kids
The Yukul (also known as Jukul) were an Aboriginal Australian people. They lived in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Contents
The Yukul Language
Not much is known about the original Yukul language. This is because it was never fully studied. Only a few words were written down. People thought it might be similar to the Alawa and Marra languages, but there is no strong proof. Today, many younger Yukul people speak a language called Kriol.
Where the Yukul Lived
The traditional lands of the Yukul people covered about 600 square miles (1,550 square kilometers). They lived on the south side of the Roper River. This was near where the Hogson River joins it. Their land also stretched around Leichhardt Bar, which they called Urapunga. Their northern border was near Mount Favenc.
How Yukul Society Was Organized
In 1900, a short description of how the Yukul people organized their society was written by R. H. Mathews. This description talked about their different social groups or "classes."
A Look at Yukul History
A big change happened in the Gulf Country starting in 1881. This area was home to many Aboriginal people. Large areas of land were taken by new settlers. Fourteen landholders set up cattle and sheep farms, each covering about 6,178 square miles (16,000 square kilometers).
Over the next 30 years, many Aboriginal people tragically lost their lives during conflicts over land. To help the remaining people from different tribes, a Church Mission was started at Ngukurr in 1908.
Yukul People Today
Today, many Yukul people live at the community of Ngukurr.
Other Names for Yukul
- Jokul
- Yikil, Yookil, Yookull
- Yikul
- Yookala
- Yukul
