Irukandji (QLD)

LocationNarrow coastal strip from Cairns to Port Douglas (Mowbray River) and on the tidal waters of the Barron River at Redlynch. In 1897 six persons of the 'Yettkie' [sic] were listed by Parry-Okeden and are thought to be of this tribe. They were still remembered in 1938; by 1952 recollections of their existence had almost faded in the Cairns area especially among the younger Tjapukai, who had by then come to regard the country as part of their own. The term ['irukandji] is by some thought to mean 'from the north,' in the Mamu language ['irikandji] means 'east'; 6 on northeastern part of NE map.
Co-ordinates145°40'E x 16°45'S
Area200 sq. m. (500 sq. km.)
ReferencesParry-Okeden, 1898; Gribble, 1897; Roth, 1910 (map); Richards, 1926; McConnel, 1939-1940; Sharp, 1939; Tindale, 1940, 1963 MS; D. Seaton, 1955 MS; Doolan, 1964 MS; Dixon, 1966.
Alternative NamesIrakanji, Yirkandji, Yirkanji, Yirgay, Yettkie (misreading of Yerrkie), Illagona, Wongulli (place name of their camp, now on the city limit south of Cairns), Dungara (horde name on Lower Barron River), Tingaree, Dungarah, Dingal.