Our People and Culture

Our People

The Quandamooka Peoples have lived on Minjerribah (now known as North Stradbroke Island) for a very long time. Scientists say at least 25 000 years, however we say longer. Our traditional estate – Quandamooka, the waters and islands of Central and Southern Moreton Bay and the coastal land and streams between the Brisbane to Logan Rivers, gave life to us in a time beyond memory.

“We are the Quandamooka People. We are the people of the sand and the water”.

There are three clans that comprise the Peoples of the Quandamooka. They are the Nughi of Mulgumpin (now known as Moreton Island) and the Nunukul and Gorenpul of Minjerribah. We hold our heads high as Traditional Owners with strong identity and culture.

Our Culture

Our people have retained our distinctive culture and we are living proof of our continuous occupation and cultural practice. Our traditional practices have been upheld in contemporary form. Our People travel regularly through Quandamooka land and sea caring for Country. Through consultations with our Elders and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, we work together to protect our lands and sea country in many ways, including taking part in cultural heritage management, Environmental Impact Assessments, negotiating over developments, educating the public and maintaining land and sea management responsibilities. Caring for our Country is our business. It always has been and always will be.

We sing its songs, tell its stories and dance to its rhythms to give honour and thanks to keep our place in its heart.

Our Country

On 4 July 2011, the Federal Court of Australia made two native title consent determinations recognising the Quandamooka People’s native title rights and interests over land and waters on, and surrounding North Stradbroke Island, and some islands in Moreton Bay.