The area now known as Todmorden Station would have been originally occupied by Aboriginal people. The name Yankunytjatjara and Antikirinya has, and is, used to describe the Aboriginal groups for this area . It is also possible that there were Aranda connections from the north of Oodnadatta and Arabuna connections from the south. Our knowledge of early Aboriginal history is limited and requires further research. Prior to European occupation there was no permanent water available on Todmorden Station, which would have limited long-term occupation. However water would have been available along the Alberga, Coongra, Olarinna Creeks and to a lesser extent the Neales, in temporary waterholes and soakages. Waterholes and soakages can retain water for up to 12 months, so short term occupation would have been possible. The area, particularly along the Alberga Creek has cultural significance to Yankunytjatjara / Antikirinya Aboriginal people. Through their mythology this area is part of the Tjukurpa – “Dreaming Trail”, which extends further north west to the Northern Territory border.
