Aboriginal Nations

The Indigenous inhabitants of the North Coast region are of the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggir and Birpai Nations.

The Tweed Valley area and Northern Rivers area are the traditional homes of the Bundjalung Nation. Also known as Badjalang, Badjelang, Budulung, Buggul, Paikalyung, Bandjalang, Bandjalong, Bunjellung, Bundela, Bundel, Widje, Watchee and Woomargou. The Bundjalung people enjoyed a warm sub-tropical climate. The landscape varied from towering mountains to the bountiful sea, providing an abundance of food and materials that met all their needs.

The Mid North Coast was inhabited by the Gumbaynggir people although numerous other spellings are encountered, such as Kumbaingeri, Kumbainari, Kumbalnggiri, Koombanggary, Coombangree and Coombagoree. A number of place names in the area derive from the Aboriginal language. Nana (as in Nana Glen) means "small lizard", Karangi is a duck, Lowanna means "girl", Orara means "a view of the ocean", Bucca means "crooked", and Korora is the "roar of the sea".

The Hastings Macleay area is the traditional country of the Birpai Nation. Also known as Birripai, Birrpiri, Brippai, Bripi, Birrapee. A Dreamtime legend describes how three brothers from the Birpai tribe met their fate at the hands of the witch Widjirriejuggi, and were buried where each of the Three Brothers Mountains stand. These three coastal mountains are a prominent feature of the Camden Haven Valley.

Contact Christine Ahern, Director of Training, if you have an interest in Indigenous Health Training.  NCGPT will ensure a deeply satisfying and well supported experience.