Dharawal

Dharawal refers to the Aboriginal Australian people traditionally inhabiting the coastal areas south of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The Dharawal language, also known as Tharawal, is now considered extinct but efforts are being made to revive it.

Territory: The traditional lands of the Dharawal people extend from the southern shores of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) south to the Shoalhaven River, and inland to the Illawarra escarpment. This area includes what is now the Sydney suburbs of Sutherland Shire, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Wollongong.

Culture and Society: Dharawal society was organised around kinship groups and clans, with a complex system of social and ceremonial practices. They were skilled hunters, gatherers, and fishers, utilizing the resources of the coastal and inland environments. Rock engravings, shell middens, and other archaeological sites provide evidence of their long history and cultural practices in the region.

Language: The Dharawal language is a member of the Pama-Nyungan language family. While no fluent speakers remain, significant documentation exists, allowing for language revival efforts. The language is being taught in schools and community programs.

Impact of Colonisation: The arrival of European settlers in 1788 had a devastating impact on the Dharawal people. Dispossession of land, introduced diseases, and violence led to a significant decline in their population and disruption of their traditional way of life.

Contemporary Dharawal People: Despite the challenges of the past, Dharawal people maintain a strong connection to their heritage and culture. They are actively involved in land management, cultural preservation, and community development. Numerous Aboriginal organisations and groups work to promote Dharawal culture and advocate for the rights of Dharawal people.

Alternative Spellings: The name may also be spelled Darawal, Tharawal, or variations thereof.