Umpila is classified as one of theNorth Cape York Paman languages. It is one of 6 dialects which are often collectively referred to as Umpila, and, though classified as moribund, it is still spoken by elders, along withKuuku Ya'u/Koko Yao andKaantju, and efforts are being made to revitalize it.[3][4] The process ofreduplication in Umpila is used for theprogressive aspect, creating forms that are "bewilderingly varied".[5]
Umpila country has been called 'one of the most ecologically intact indigenous domains on earth.'[6] It stretches over some 300 square miles (780 km2) around Cape Sidmouth north toNight Island, and to theChester River.[1][a] Their territory is very rich in its biodiversity heritage, with some 260 plant species unique to their region.[6] To their north were theUutaalnganu,[7] while their southern borders ran up to those of theLama Lama.[6]
The Umpila call themselvesUmpila pama malngkanichi, "people of the sand beach", a term which refers to their belonging to the ethnocultural group ofKawadji of north-eastern Queensland coastal dwellers.[6] Their society had two exogamouspatrimoieties,kaapay (karrpiya/ karpeya) andkuyan (koiyan), two terms which are also used to classify flora and fauna.[6] The two patrimoieties marry their opposite moiety, resulting in the acquisition of the resulting children to the father's moiety.
Strict rules also govern social interaction between certain grades of affine relationship. Two of the most knowledgeable informants, the tribal elder Horace Rocky and the young park ranger Johanne Omeenyo cannot speak to each other, since a classificatory nephew like Johanne is forbidden to speak directly to his 'uncle', and they must use clan intermediaries.[6]
The descendants of the Umpila people had their rights tonative title recognised by aFederal Court decision in 2008. They were recognised as custodians of 1,200 square kilometres (460 mi2) and as freehold owners of half of this land.[6]
^From Hale and Tindale's 1927 survey of the area, the authors stated that, at that time:'The Ompeila range from Rocky River () northward to the Nisbet River. Some of their main camps are on the Rocky River, and a permanent lagoon one mile north of the mouth of the river is also an important camping ground' (Hale & Tindale 1933, p. 70)
^Umpila as a dialect group has only three colour terms (Hill 2011, pp. 57–58)
