'Genocide of a language': Indigenous leader disappointed over national park names

Hidden waterfalls in an NT national park will soon be open to the public for the first time — but some are disappointed their traditional Indigenous place names won't be seen with them.Aboriginal leaders around Litchfield National Park said they weren't consulted about the names for new sitesA department spokesperson said the new names were based on the landscape and flora

The NT Government has been heralding the "game-changing" $17.5 million opening of Litchfield Central Valley in mid-2021, which will give tourists access to new camping and swimming spots. But Indigenous leaders from around Litchfield say they're "angry and disappointed" they were not consulted on the recent naming of those sites, like Red Rock Gorge and Cycad Springs.Prior to her death, Ms Bishop's mother Ida mapped the Koongurrukun names for much of Litchfield — or Purlugutj, in her language — including some of the soon-to-be accessible spots.

Koongurrukun woman Helen Bishop looks over the map of Litchfield with her people’s place names, made by her mother."It's almost like making us invisible."In correspondence between NT Parks and Wildlife and a member of the public, sent to the ABC, the department said they've not used Indigenous names because "there are several different Aboriginal groups" in the area and it would be too "difficult to pick just one".

I feel really sad that we've failed to celebrate indigenous culture by overlooking the names. I would have been quite happy to stand there and learn to pronounce it. Besides, given how I've heard some pollies pronounce 'quay' I don't entirely their judgement on this.

They couldn’t even write it down . They did their own genocide

Please acknowledge me..AGAIN!!.. needy much?

The term ‘genocide’ should not ever be diluted by metaphor and misuse.

I wonder what the ratio of indigenous names to English names is in Oz ?🤔

National Parks are a colonialists invention. Why would the indigenous leaders want to culturally appropriate such white constructs?

'Genocide of a language'? ABC, is this hyperbole day?

The national language is English. Lets stick to that in the public arena. The indigenous names can be used by those in the appropriate cultural groups of course.

Must be getting closer to AustraliaDay🇦🇺 TheirABC is ramping up the 'all Australians are racist unless you agree with us' narrative.

Thank God we are finally out of real problems! Mark this day!

Its always been bizarre that we have name like King Charles Park or something absurd like that.

What a ridiculous use of the term ‘genocide’. There are many places that also have a deep post 1788 history with names that most locals can identify with. The idea that every new park needs an official indigenous (pre 1788) name is absurd.

Nobody has a monopoly on naming conventions for place or site names. But I do think the traditional owners have a point here. Besides, who does it hurt to celebrate traditional owner names?

More ABC nonsense. I hope i can make someone realise that the ABC is dangerous to our, in the main, non racist society. Just as Trump’s incitement of his followers, you are doing exactly the same.

You guys are going hard out today huh ?

Bad luck. Don't take a boomerang to a gun fight next time.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Calls for royal commission into ‘broken’ systemExclusive: Meet the Indigenous leaders calling on the federal government to initiate a wide-ranging royal commission into Indigenous corporations and statutory bodies | adele_ferguson DeborahSnow adele_ferguson DeborahSnow Not before time adele_ferguson DeborahSnow Great piece, Adele (as always). For more background on Indigenous Corps - critical historical and organisational info, see:
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »

Indigenous leader slams 'activist' school curriculum proposal | Sky News AustraliaIndigenous leader Warren Mundine has criticised the proposed new national curriculum claiming it seeks to divide people based on skin colour and promotes a victim mentality among Indigenous people.\n\nThe proposed changes would replace teaching about the rights to free speech with lessons about European colonisation as an invasion and critical race theory. \n\nMr Mundine said children should not be exposed to activism in schools and the curriculum must acknowledge the “incredible advancements” which have occurred in the last half century. \n\nHe rejected the idea that white people were “evil and oppressors” and people of colour were “their victims”.\n\n“I was brought up not to believe that I was a victim. I was always brought up to be a part of a great Australian nation,” he said.\n\n“We are a great nation. We are not a racist nation.\n\n“Every nation at its foundation has some bad and good in it and we need to acknowledge the bad and good but also recognise the incredible advancements we have made in the last 50 to 60 years.”\n\nThe national curriculum was last reviewed in 2014 and the proposals are open to public consultation and feedback until July 8.\n nyunggai Time to scrap the national curriculum and leave education to state premiers
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

Albanese to ramp up pressure for constitutional Voice to Parliament on Uluru tripThe federal Opposition Leader is ramping up pressure to pursue constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. jamesmassola Morrison needs to make this happen jamesmassola How can so many tribes and different views be representative of all First Nation's people jamesmassola Let's get the vote over and done with so we can reject this silly suggestion of a third chamber of Parliament voted on by a small minority of Australians based on race. And those proposing a consultative body remember ATSIC and ask how many Aboriginal people will vote for it.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »

Indigenous language finds new life in Queensland classroomsUntil recently, there were worries Kuku Yalanji language could die out. Now it's abuzz in the playground. I get that learning a 2nd language would be useful. But are education grades are at a all time low, we should just teach basics and get are grades back to where they were. Subjects like this and other languages can be taught after school if the children want to. 👍 There are 300 deferent dialogs in Australia Will they be teaching all 300, Hmm? This is a fantastic initiative and long overdue.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Thirteen years since the National Apology, Indigenous leaders say thousands 'continue to suffer'Australia will mark the thirteenth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations without a Closing the Gap statement, in a break with the long-standing practice. More pointless virtue signalling yay The meaning of your script is? Let’s close the gap so whiteys get the same free ride as the Indigenous
Source: SBSNews - 🏆 3. / 89 Read more »