Nyangumarta people


The Nyangumarta people, also written Njaŋumada, are a nation of Aboriginal Australians from the northwestern coast of Western Australia. According to Norman Tindale, they are divided into two distinct branches, the Kundal and the Iparuka.

Language

belongs to the Marrngu branch of the Pama–Nyungan languages, together with Mangarla and Karajarri.

Country

Njangumarta Kundal country extended over some, while that of Njangumarta Iparuka comprised an estimated. Together they encompass areas from the Great Sandy Desert south through to Eighty Mile Beach, including Pardoo Station, Wallal Downs Station and Anna Plains Station. Geoffrey O'Grady affirmed that the original extent of their lands at the beginning of white colonial penetration in their domain was, but that their linguistic expansion and influence had increased substantially since then.

Present day

Most Nyangumarta people now live in Broome, Bidyadanga and Port Hedland, though they still regularly visit their country.

Native title

Their traditional ownership of this country was recognised in 2009 by the Federal Court of Australia.

Alternative names