Nyungar Boodjar

Nyungar have occupied and managed the south-west of Western Australia for over 40,000 years.1 It is our right and responsibility to care for our country.

Nyungar is the name for the Aboriginal people whose ancestors originally occupied and still occupy the whole south-west.2

The word Nyungar means ‘person’ or ‘people’.3 As Nyungar language was not written prior to colonisation, there are many spellings of this word and most Nyungar words.

Boodjar means country. Nyungar boodjar (country) extends from north of Jurien Bay, inland to north of Moora and down to the southern coast between Bremer Bay and east of Esperance.

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Nyungar boodjar is traditionally occupied by 14 Nyungar groups:
  • Amangu
  • Balardong
  • Juat
  • Kaneang
  • Koreng
  • Minang
  • Njakinjaki
  • Njunga
  • Pibelmen
  • Pindjarup
  • Wardandi
  • Whadjuk
  • Wiilman
  • Wudjari.
Please note that this map is based on information from Norman Tindale's4 1974 attempt to depict Aboriginal tribal distribution at the time of European contact. His map is contested and controversial.

Nyungar words used on this page

Swipe to see more
Nyungar English Pronunciation Audio
Boodjar Country or Land
Nyungar People

References

  1. Hallam, S. J. Fire and Hearth: a study of Aboriginal usage and European usurpation in the south-western Australia. Advocate Press Pty Ltd: Melbourne. 1979.
  2. Collard, L., & S. Harben. “Nartj Katitj Bidi Ngulluckiny Koorl? (Which Knowledge Path Will We Travel?).” Studies in Western Australian History (26)75-95. 2010.
  3. Mountford, A & L. Collard. Nidja Noongar Boodjar Noonokurt Nyininy (This is Noongar Country You Are Sitting In), Catholic Education Office of WA, Perth. 2000.
  4. Tindale, N.B. Part II, Aboriginal Tribes of Australia: Their Terrain, Environmental Controls, Distribution, Limits, and Proper Names. 1974.

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodjar
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Social Media

Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

The City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodjar. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to Land, Waters and Culture and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.