A cultural heritage that dates back more than 70,000 years.

The Gangalidda and Garawa People are part of Australia’s rich Indigenous cultural heritage that dates back more than 70,000 years. Our core primary cultural values are to look after country and to living sustainably. 

Gangalidda and Garawa People primarily live in the communities of Doomadgee, Burketown, Gununa, Robinson River and Borroloola. 

Gangalidda and Garawa country is shared by our families and clan groups. Our land ownership system is based on the Dreaming our ancestors created and the places our ancestors lived on. It extends beyond our native title claims and Aboriginal Land Trust areas and crosses over borders such as the Northern Territory-Queensland divide. We have strong ties to our country through our traditional family estates. 

Our culture, customary laws, and relationship to land and sea are what identify country for us and keep us connected. 

Like other Aboriginal groups, family relationships are very important to Gangalidda and Garawa People. We acknowledge each other using relationship terms across generations.