Ngunnawal
Ngunnawal refers to the Aboriginal Australian people traditionally inhabiting the region of present-day Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and surrounding areas of New South Wales. It also refers to their language, which is considered to be an extinct or sleeping language, with ongoing efforts to revive it.
People: The Ngunnawal people have a deep and continuing connection to the land, waterways, and cultural heritage of the Canberra region. Their history extends back thousands of years before European settlement. Due to colonization and subsequent displacement, many Ngunnawal people were forced off their traditional lands. Today, descendants of the Ngunnawal continue to maintain their cultural identity and advocate for recognition, land rights, and the preservation of their heritage.
Language: The Ngunnawal language is part of the Yuin-Kuric language family. Like many Indigenous Australian languages, it suffered a significant decline after European contact. Extensive efforts are underway to document, revive, and teach the Ngunnawal language through community-led initiatives, linguistic research, and educational programs. These initiatives aim to reconnect younger generations with their linguistic heritage and strengthen cultural identity.
Country: Ngunnawal country encompasses the ACT and surrounding areas, including parts of the Southern Tablelands and the Lachlan River region of New South Wales. This area is of significant cultural and historical importance to the Ngunnawal people, containing numerous sacred sites, ceremonial grounds, and places of historical significance.
Current Status: The Ngunnawal people are actively involved in contemporary Australian society. They participate in cultural events, land management practices, and political advocacy, striving to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected. They work to promote awareness of their history, culture, and ongoing connection to the land. Recognition and reconciliation remain important goals for the Ngunnawal community.