- Kamilaroi
The Kamilaroi or Gamilaraay are an
Indigenous Australian people who are from the area between Tamworth and Goondiwindi, and west toNarrabri ,Walgett andLightning Ridge , in northernNew South Wales . In the south-west, their country extends toCoonabarabran and the eastern foothills of the Warrumbungle Ranges.Etymology
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.Sydney Ferries Limited's vehicular ferry "Kamilaroi" (1901 - 1933) was also named after them.
A variety of
Durum wheat widely grown in their territory today is named after the Kamilaroi.Cite web|url=http://www.bellatagold.com.au/farming.html|title=Bellata Gold|accessdate=2006-04-21]The Northern Kamilaroi people have a strong cultural connection with the
Bigambul People and the tribes met regularly for joint ceremonies atBoobera Lagoon near the present day town ofGoondiwindi .The most famous Kamilaroi person in modern times is probably Australian international cricketer
Jason Gillespie . The mother of tightrope walkerCon Colleano was descended from aKamilaroi woman from Narrabri.Mythology
Kamilaroi mythology includes
Baiame , the ancestor or patron god. He was married toBirrahgnooloo , with whom he was the father ofDaramulum . (See further: Michael O'Rourke, "Kamilaroi Lands: North-central New South Wales in the early 19th Century", Griffith ACT, 1997.)Please note that there are various spelling, such as Gomeroi, Gamilaroi, Gumillaroy, Comelroy, all of which the attempts of European people's transliterations. Nowadays, the term "Gomeroi", meaning One of the Rising Sun.Fact|date=July 2007 The Gomeroi is one of the four largest nations in Australia.Fact|date=July 2007
ee also
*
Gamilaraay language External links
* [http://www.aiatsis.gov.au/aboriginal_studies_press/aboriginal_wall_map/map_page/map_detail-f4 link to map of their location]
* [http://coombs.anu.edu.au/WWWVLPages/AborigPages/LANG/GAMDICT/GAMDICT.HTM# Online dictionary]References
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