Kamilaroi Footprints

Yaama – welcome to Kamilaroi Footprints

For most non Aboriginal people the word ‘land’ conjures up images of the ground and/or geographical features, or a farming property, or perhaps simply something to buy and sell.

For most Aboriginal people, however, the word ‘land’ has a far more significant meaning. In fact, Aboriginal people do not think in terms of ‘owning’ land at all – rather they believe the land ‘owns’ them. The land, all that surrounds it and everything living on it, is at the core of their identity, their traditions, their culture, their spirituality and their laws. The plants and animals found on the land were a source of food, clothing and medicines. They were also used to make weapons and tools such as axes and baskets. The seasons and the stars were used to predict what food would be available, what weather was coming and therefore what shelter would be needed.

Further, within Aboriginal culture, their ancestors defined the land by its geographical landscape – for example, mountains and rivers, to identify ‘country’ for each Aboriginal language group. Consequently Aboriginal people tend to define themselves as belonging to a particular country [land].

Country is fundamental to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. With their deep understanding of, and connection to, their country, Aboriginal people managed and nurtured the land sustainably. Indeed it is said that Aboriginal people lived with the land, whereas, upon European settlement, people tended to expect to live off the land.

The Liverpool Plains is part of Kamilaroi country. Kamilaroi country extends from the Upper Hunter River [around Singleton] through to the Warrumbungle mountains in the west, and along the Balonne, Bundarra, Namoi and Barwon rivers to Nindigully in south west Queensland. The Kamilaroi people and the Gamilaraay language belong to Kamilaroi country.

Although this connection to country extends from the past, the Kamilaroi people still have a strong and enduring attachment to their country – a connection that will continue to shape their present and future identity and culture.

Through this App they invite you to connect with nature, and to share some insights into their cultural heritage, passed down through generations, as you journey through the Liverpool Plains region of Kamilaroi country.

The Kamilaroi people are proud to share their heritage with you and hope that, by sharing their past, they are highlighting the importance of protecting culturally significant sites and managing the environment sustainably for future generations.


About this App

This App has been produced as part of a Joint Venture Agreement between North West Local Land Services and Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Gunnedah.

It has been developed to enable you to ‘explore on the go’ using your mobile telephone or other device.
Every effort has been made to provide up to date information, however, from time to time, access, operating hours and other details may change and we recommend you check with the local tourist information office before visiting the sites.