The Ngunnawal Tribe of Canberra, Australia has made this region of the country their home for the last twenty-one thousand years.  There is archaeological evidence of existence for this length of time located throughout the area, notably at the Nature Reserve in Tidbinbilla, in the shelter of the Birrigai Rocks, and in the cave paintings located at the National Park of Namadgi.  During the early 1800′s, many of the Aborigines were living and thriving in the area, this is the time of the first settlers of Europe.  The tribes would meet up for festivals and then break into smaller groups as the traveled the land in search of food of the various regions and seasonal availability.

As was coming during the early days of exploration and settlement throughout the entire world, the Aboriginal way of life was sadly disrupted upon the event of the European travelers.  There migratory way of life was interrupted and they were struck with many diseases that they had never before been exposed to.  Smallpox, influenza and tuberculosis took their toll and many of the people on the continent perished as and effect.  And while the Aborigines still live amongst the more recent immigrants, there is a bit of hostility and tension between the various cultures and societies.  Many people continued to work on the farms, particularly herding sheep, but as they became affected by poverty and illness, their numbers have dwindled and much is being done, much more is necessary however, to protect their culture and to preserve their language and their traditions.

The early name for the city was based on a station by the name of Canberry.  Many thought throughout history that the name had roots in Aboriginal meaning, however that is not the case.  The name was officially changed to Canberra in 1913, and as more people immigrated to the city the tourism industry began to thrive and Canberra, Australia hotels became idyllic spots for escape and relaxation.  This particular location was named as the capital city based on the instructions of the Parliament given in 1908, to choose a location that was distinctive, picturesque and had some splendid views, and thus Canberra became that capital.  There are many reasons to visit this area of the Outback, and an abundance of history to be studied in this region.

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