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In the Dreaming, our Ngajanggali, Jabreen, laid down the law which his children and their descendants were to live by.
It is said that in those early days, Jabreen walked the jagun, placing plants, waterholes, and most importantly, people. Where he placed them was to be their country, and since time immemorial we have honoured him in continuing to live, maintain, and stay connected to this jagun.
Across our Nation lie the Jaran (Freshwater) and Ngarang (Saltwater) regions, composed of bands of smaller groups known as clans, family groups or locality groups; each being individually named and holding a piece of country that is theirs to care for. Yugambeh people share lore and custom, bonded by a common tongue, and united through ceremony and history. We are the Mibunn of this jagun.
Our people find their spouse from different clans and families, so many people have different obligations and responsibilities for a number of countries, i.e. the country of their father, mother, mother’s mother, father’s father and more! You may hear people use their clan names, e.g. I’m a Mununjali/Kombumeri man.
, or you may hear references to major towns and cities, e.g. I’m a Beaudesert/Tweed man.
These clans are composed of a number of family lines; all our people are descendants of a number of old ones or Ngajanggali, and each family holds an oral history and genealogy that spans many decades and generations. It is through these Ancestors that people inherit their membership and rights to specific clans.
Tap a clan's country to read about it
Freshwater region
Burnt Earth People
The Mununjali, also known as the Beaudesert clan, are the people of the Mid-Logan river valley. The name Mununjali is derived from Munun, Burnt Earth, with the clan/locality suffix -jali, and means ‘Burnt Earth People’ and refers to the dark volcanic soil that is typical of their country.
Pretty-Faced Wallaby People
The Wanggeriburra, also known as the Tamborine clan, are the people of the Albert river valley. The name Wangerriburra is derived from Wangerri, Pretty-faced Wallaby, with the clan/locality suffix -burra attached. Wangerriburra means ‘Pretty-Faced Wallaby People’ and refers to the local Whiptail / Pretty-faced Wallaby (Macropus parryi).
Mountain Spike People
The Migunberri, also known as the Mt. Barney/Christmas creek clan, are the people of the Upper-Logan river valley. The name Migunberri is derived from Migun, ‘Mountain Spikes’, with the suffix -beri attached; this is a common clan/locality suffix. Migunberri means ‘Mountain Spike People’ and refers to the numerous mountains located across their country.
Mossy Forest People
The Murangburra, also known as the Mt Warning clan, are the people of the Upper-Tweed river valley. The name is derived from Murang, Forest Moss, with the clan/locality suffix -burra attached. Murangburra means ‘Mossy Forest People’ and refers to the numerous mossy trees that cover their country.
Saltwater region
Black Possum People
The Gugugan, also known as the Logan clan, are the people of the Lower Logan river valley. The name Gugugan is derived from Gunam, Black Possum, with the clan/locality suffix -gan, and means ‘Black Possum People’ and refers to a phenotype of Possum, mostly black in colour, that was once abundant in their country.
River People
The Bullongin, also known as the Coomera clan, are the people of the Coomera river valley. The name Bullongin is derived from Bullon, River, with the clan/locality suffix -gin attached, and means ‘River People’ and refers to the numerous waterways and creeks that cross their country.
Cobra-Worm People
The Kombumerri, also known as the Nerang clan, are the people of the Nerang river valley. The name Kombumerri is derived from Kombu, Cobra-worm, with the clan/locality suffix -merri, and means ‘Cobra-Worm People’ and refers to the locally found Cobra Worm (Teredo navalis).
Dry Forest People
The Tulgigin, also known as the Tweed Heads clan, are the people of the northern Lower Tweed valley. The name Tulgigin is derived from Tulgi, Dry Forest, with the clan/locality suffix -gin attached, and means ‘Dry Forest People’ and refers to the Sclerophyll vegetation that was once typical of their country.
Red Ochre People
The Cudgenburra, also known as the Fingal clan, are the people of the southern Lower Tweed river valley. The name Cudgenburra is derived from Cudgen, Red Ochre, with the clan/locality suffix -burra attached. Cudgenburra means ‘Red Ochre People’ and refers to the red ochre used in ceremony.