Wangkumarra History: Strength Through Every Generation

The Wangkumarra people are the Traditional Custodians of the lands stretching across the far west of Queensland, across to the north-eastern corner of South Australia, and south down to Milparinka, New South Wales. For countless generations before colonisation, our ancestors lived in deep relationship with the land and waters of this region — following the songlines, caring for sacred sites, and passing on knowledge through story, ceremony, language, and kinship.

Our people moved with the seasons, lived sustainably with Country, and maintained strong connections with neighbouring nations through trade, intermarriage, and shared law. Life was guided by cultural responsibilities and spiritual knowledge, embedded in every part of our daily lives.

With the arrival of colonisation, everything changed. Frontier violence, disease, and dispossession deeply impacted our families. Our land was taken for pastoral leases and mining, and many of our people were displaced. In the early 20th century, Wangkumarra families living in and around Tibooburra were forcibly removed and taken to the Brewarrina Mission, far from their homelands. There, they were subjected to government control, loss of language, and the separation of families — but despite these hardships, our culture and spirit survived.

For over 30 years, Wangkumarra people fought for recognition of our rights to Country through the Native Title system. It was a long and emotional process, requiring community strength, Elder knowledge, and legal determination. In 2024, our struggle was finally recognised through a Native Title Consent Determination — a powerful moment of justice, identity, and return.

Today, there is a strong movement within the Wangkumarra community to revitalise our language, culture, and knowledge systems. Elders, young people, and community members are working together to record language, share cultural practices, protect sacred sites, and reconnect with Country. Through projects in education, art, storytelling, and research, we are keeping our culture alive — not just for ourselves, but for the generations still to come.

Our history is one of survival, resistance, and deep belonging. And our future is being shaped by that same strength.