Douglas Shire places display traditional names with new signs
INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
Thirty-six places around the Douglas Shire will have Indigenous language signs installed after months of consultation with Traditional Owners.
Consultation with Kuku Yalanji Elders and Traditional Custodians began in February 2019, in collaboration with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Organisation.
Community workshops held in Wujal Wujal and Mossman to discuss the project and ideas surrounding it.
Talks were also held with Yirrganydji Elders and Traditional Custodians through the Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Organisation and the Yirrganydji Gurabana Aboriginal Corporation.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said the new signs sent an important message to the community.
“These signs are about paying respect to the Traditional Owners of this land and making an important statement to recognise that,” she said.
“The project will add cultural value to the various local areas and build on the rich visitor experience by embracing our local Indigenous language.
“What is most rewarding is the close consultation between Douglas Shire Council and the Traditional Owners has given our community a real sense of ownership over this project.”
Douglas Shire Council will also seek to finalised designs and install welcome signage featuring local Indigenous designs at Mossman and Daintree Village.
The Douglas Shire is the traditional country of two tribal groups: the Eastern Kuku Yalanji and the Yirrganydji people.
See on the map here where the signs will be located: