Bunuba

This article is for the Indigenous Australian group. For their language, see Bunuba language.

Windjana Gorge in Bunuba Country

Fitzroy River in Bunuba Country

The Bunuba (also known as Bunaba, Punapa, Punuba) are a group of Indigenous Australians, who traditionally speak the Bunuba language. They are the traditional owners of the southern West Kimberley, in Western Australia, and live in and around the town of Fitzroy Crossing.^[1]

Indigenous Australians have lived in the Kimberley region for over 40,000 years and continues to be home to groups, including the Bunuba, who practice traditional law in the oldest continuous culture in the world.^[2]

Traditional Lands

The traditional land of the Bunuba covers 3500 square kilometers north of Fitzroy Crossing. The native title was recognised in 2012^[3] and are administered by the Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation.^[4]

The area is composed mostly of cattle stations and national parks, the Bunuba acquired Leopold Downs in 1991 and Fairfield Downs stations in 1995.^[5] Together the properties occupy an area of 4,046 square kilometres (1,562 sq mi) and have a maximum carrying capacity of 20,000 head of cattle.^[6]

In 2012 the Australian Agricultural Company entered an agreement with the Bunuba where AACo would manage the operations and the Bunuba would receive and annual rent and training opportunities and have complete access to their lands.^[7][8]

Famous Bunuba

• Jandamarra, who led one of the few organised armed insurrections documented against European settlement in Australia.

References

1. "Bunuba People and Country". Bunuba Cultural Enterpises. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
2. "The West Kimberley, Western Australia". Department of the Environment. 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
3. "The Australian". Retrieved 25 February 2014.
4. "Bunuba Dawangarri Aboriginal Corporation from Nativetitle.org.uk". Retrieved 25 February 2014.
5. "Leopold Downs Station, Fitzroy Crossing, WA". Kent Saddlery. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
6. Kathryn Thorburn (June 2005). "Strong station management benefits all". Savannah Explorer. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
7. "AACo Joint Venture with Bunuba People". Australian Agricultural Company. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
8. Matt Brann (17 July 2012). "AAco enters into cattle deal with Indigenous stations". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 14 March 2015.