Wurundjeri

Wurundjeri refers to a group of Indigenous Australians from the Kulin nation who are the traditional custodians of the Melbourne region in Victoria. They speak Woiwurrung, a language of the Kulin family, and identify as part of the broader network of peoples whose lands surround the Yarra River.

Traditional country and social life: The Wurundjeri traditional lands cover the Yarra River valley and surrounding areas in what is now metropolitan Melbourne, including parts of the Port Phillip Bay coastline. Their social organization historically included kin-based groups and clans with strong connections to land, water, and seasonal resources. Cultural life encompassed ceremonies, storytelling, and knowledge about plants, animals, and landscapes essential to the river and surrounding environments.

European contact and ongoing recognition: Beginning in the 1830s with the establishment of European settlements, Wurundjeri people faced dispossession, disease, and frontier conflict, leading to displacement from traditional sites. In modern times, recognition of traditional ownership and language revival efforts have been pursued through legal processes and community initiatives. The Wurundjeri Council serves as a representative body for the Wurundjeri people, engaging in native title matters, cultural heritage protection, and collaboration with government and communities to safeguard sites and knowledge.

Current status: The Wurundjeri are acknowledged as Traditional Owners of significant parts of the Melbourne region by Australian and Victorian authorities. Their ongoing cultural heritage, language programs, and land interests continue to shape the history and identity of the area.