The WA Government has officially renamed the state’s King Leopold Ranges locality to ‘Bularl di Wunami’.
The renaming removes references to the former Belgian King, whose legacy includes documented atrocities, said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch.
“Changing the name of this locality to one that reflects the ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to their Country is not just a symbolic action. It is an important and meaningful step towards reconciliation and represents a tangible form of truth-telling,” said the Minister.
“This removes the name of an historical figure with no connection to this land, and rightly replaces it with a name that honours the deep cultural and linguistic connections of the Ngarinyin and Bunuba people to their Country.”
The Bularl di Wunami locality is in the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley, covering approximately 35,000 square-kilometres.
The Country surrounding the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges holds deep spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for its Traditional Owners, who have cared for, and are deeply connected to, this land, the Government said in a statement.
The locality’s rugged landscapes and natural beauty also make it popular with hikers, campers, and adventurers.
The new name incorporates the languages of two Traditional Owner groups, the Ngarinyin and Bunuba people.
“Bularl di” (Buh-larl-dee) is a Ngarinyin term meaning rocky Country, while “Wunami” (Wur-naa-mee) is a Bunuba word meaning big range Country.
“This new name, paired from two local languages, acknowledges not only the physical features of these lands but also the enduring cultural, linguistic, and historical connections of their Traditional Owners,” said Planning and Lands Minister, John Carey.
“The renaming has occurred following consultation with traditional owners, local government, and emergency services.”
In 2020, the physical ranges, known as the King Leopold Ranges, were renamed Wunaamin Miliwundi.
To ensure clarity, particularly for first responders in emergency situations, Landgate engaged a First Nations consultant, NyikBar Consulting, to identify a new name for the locality surrounding the physical ranges.
The new name was developed through a consultation process that included engagement with Traditional Owners.
It was recently endorsed by the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley and approved by Landgate.
