DescriptionMelville and Bathurst Islands are collectively known as the Tiwi Islands, the home of the Tiwi people. The Tiwi People have occupied the islands since at least the last ice age, when the islands were separated from the mainland approximately 11,000 years ago. After years of isolation the Tiwi have a unique language and culture, including dance, song and art. The Munupi, Marrikawuyanga, Yimpinari, Mantiyupi, Wulirankuwu, Jikilaruwu, Wurankuwu, Malawu are clan ancestral lands on Tiwi Island.