Gamilaroi

The Gamilaroi, also spelled Kamilaroi (and sometimes associated with the language name Gamilaraay), are an Aboriginal Australian people from the New South Wales region. They are one of the larger language groups in the state and have a strong association with the land and its waterways. The language most often linked to the Gamilaroi is Gamilaraay (often referred to as Gamilaroi or Kamilaroi), a member of the Pama–Nyungan language family with several dialects. Although the language is endangered, communities and language centers have ongoing revival and teaching programs.

Traditional country for the Gamilaroi covers parts of northern and north-western New South Wales, including the Namoi, Gwydir and Barwon river basins. Their lands extend from around Moree in the north toward Narrabri and Boggabri in the south-west, with connections to neighboring language groups in the surrounding plains and ranges. The landscape includes river valleys, floodplains and open woodland, all of which are important in cultural and seasonal life.

Social organization and culture among the Gamilaroi historically involved complex kinship systems and moieties, with traditional obligations to land, kin and law. Dreaming stories and ceremonies connect people to country, animals and natural features. Traditional tools, art, song and dance reflect relationships with the landscape.

In contact history, European colonization in the 19th century brought significant disruption through dispossession, conflict and missions. In recent decades, native title claims, land rights efforts and cultural revival initiatives have been a focus for the Gamilaroi communities. Today, they are recognized as the traditional custodians of parts of New South Wales and participate in language preservation, education and cultural programs.