Kamilaroi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1 General
2 Mythology
3 See also
4 External links
5 References

[edit] General

The Kamilaroi or Gamilaraay are an Indigenous Australian people who are from the area between Tamworth and Goondiwindi, and west to Narrabri, Walgett and Lightning Ridge, in northern New South Wales. In the south-west, their country extends to Coonabarabran and the eastern foothills of the Warrumbungle Ranges.

The name Gamilaraay literally means "having not", derived from gamil "not" and -(b)araay "having". (On the language, see: Anna Ash et al., "Gamilaraay, Yuwaalaraay & Yuwaalayaay Dictionary", IAD Press, Alice Springs, 2003.)

The Kamilaroi Highway is named after them.

A variety of Durum wheat widely grown in their territory today is named after the Kamileroi.^[1]

The Northern Kamilaroi people have a strong cultural connection with the Bigambul People and the tribes met regularly for joint ceremonies at Boobera Lagoon near the present day town of Goondiwindi.

The most famous 'Kamilaroi person in modern times is probably Australian international cricketer Jason Gillespie.

[edit] Mythology

Kamilaroi mythology includes Baiame, the ancestor or patron god. He was married to Birrahgnooloo, with whom he was the father of Daramulum. (See further: Michael O'Rourke, "Kamilaroi Lands: North-central New South Wales in the early 19th Century", Griffith ACT, 1997.)