Cundiyung

Cundiyung (alternative spelling Cundyun) was an aboriginal man known as Abraham to colonists in and around Bunbury (reference). Little information exists in the historical record of this man. An article from 1935 states that Cundiyung was the king or chief of the Traditional Owners from the Bunbury area (reference). From this, one gathers that Cundiyung was likely an Elder of Wardandi Country (reference). Being an Elder would have come with many responsibilities to pass down his traditional knowledge and lead others during Lore Time.

Cundiyung was at least fluent in two languages, his mother tongue and English (reference). In 1911 he was likely a witness in a trial where Patrick Daly assaulted an Aboriginal woman named Ann Abraham Fete (reference). Instead of seeking justice for Ann, the court turned against her. Despite several witnesses to the assault, Patrick was set free. A police order was made to forcibly remove Ann from her residence to the Aboriginal reserve situated on Milligan Street and Hands Avenue near the Trotting Club (reference; reference). Ann, also referred to as Annie, was either the wife or child of an aboriginal man named Abraham, possibly Cundiyung (reference).

Cundiyung was said to enjoy the occasional drink, as most people do, but due to legislation prohibiting Aboriginal people from possessing liquor - The Publicans Act of 1843 and The Wines, Beer and Spirit Sale Act 1880, it was illegal for him to ever own or drink alcohol (reference; reference). In July 1917, Cundiyung was caught in possession of a bottle of wine in Perth by Police Constable White (reference). Due to these laws prohibiting Aboriginal people from having alcohol in their possession, he was taken to gaol and sentenced to seven days imprisonment by the City Court (reference). 

Cundiyung was known to ‘hawk clothes’ as an occasional occupation, meaning he sold clothes informally in public places (reference). 

As Abraham was a common European name used for Aboriginal men, it is unclear if other newspaper articles mentioning an Aboriginal named Abraham are in fact Cundiyung.

An Aboriginal named Abraham competed in a sporting event in Narrogin in 1916 and came first in the 440-yard handicap race (400 metres) (reference). However, based on the known photograph of Cundiyung taken circa 1920, it is likely not the same man as he appears to be too old to compete in this sport. However, this is a judgement made on an old photograph and many people remain athletic despite their advanced age - so it could possibly be the same man.

Another article that mentions an Abraham talks about an Aboriginal Prison Constable on Rottnest in 1893 (reference). This Abraham witnessed the tragic drowning of four aboriginal prisoners on their half-day off. The four men died at the Basin, a common swimming place at Rottnest (reference). One man had gone in too deep and could not swim (reference). His friends each tried to rescue him, but as non-swimmers, they all drowned (reference). 

Other articles exist on Aboriginal men that went by the name Abraham. However, the articles that likely refer to Cundiyung are mentioned above.