Overview
Around the turn of the century the remains of the semi-nomadic family tribes occupying the last two hundred kilometers of Cape York Peninsula came together and settled at the mouth of Cowal Creek or Small River now known as Injinoo. These tribes shared a common language with different dialects. The coming together of these survivors from the impact of non-aboriginal settlement saw the establishment, by themselves, of a community that brought together five major groupings:
- Anggamuthi (Seven Rivers - western)
- Atambaya (Macdonnel - central)
- Wuthathi (Whitesand - south eastern)
- Yadhaykenu (Cairn Cross - eastern)
- Gudang (Red Island, Somerset - northern)
The settlement of Injinoo was established on Cape York by a community led by a Wuthathi man, Allelic Whitesand. The Chief Protector of Aborigines discovered this settlement in 1916. The community is the homeland of most of the traditional owners of all the land on which the five Northern Peninsula Area communities are situated.
Although self-sufficient, through fishing and gardening the Community made requests to the Anglican Church to establish a mission and school. Government officials allowed the community to function through an elected council.
Health Action Team
A Health Action Team is still in development for this area. The community is represented on the Apunipima Board.