Ngunawal

The Ngunawal people The Ngunawal (also written Ngunnawal) people are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Australia's capital, Canberra, now stands. Their country extends across the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions of New South Wales, from the Yass area east through the limestone plains to the Brindabella Ranges and beyond to the coast. The Canberra region — known as Kamberri, from which the city's name derives — was a significant meeting place where Ngunawal people gathered with neighbouring nations for ceremony, trade, and seasonal gatherings. The Molonglo River (known to Ngunawal as the Molonglo) and surrounding wetlands provided food and fresh water, while the bogong moth migrations to the Brindabella Ranges drew Aboriginal peoples from across the region for annual feasting and ceremony. Today, the Ngunawal people are recognised as Traditional Custodians of the ACT through the United Ngunnawal Elders Council and other community organisations. The Ngunnawal greeting "Yuma" — meaning hello — is increasingly heard in Canberra, and the ACT Government formally acknowledges Ngunnawal country in its protocols. Language revitalisation and cultural education programs continue to strengthen Ngunawal identity and connection to country.