The City of Holdfast Bay is host to many sites of significance for the Indigenous people of the Adelaide Plains, the Kaurna. Unfortunately much of this rich cultural heritage has been lost since European settlement. Ecocreative, in collaboration with the council, Kaurna representatives and a local historian, has developed ‘Kaurna yarta-ana’ an illustrated walking guide and cultural map to bring Indigenous sites and to locals and visitors, many of whom may not be aware of what lies underfoot. Themes such as language, history, biodiversity and storytelling are explored in this brochure (that doubles as a poster).
The guide features a colourful map that identifies 20 sites of significance superimposed on native plant zones, reinforcing the link between living history and biodiversity. This information complements Kaurna language interpretive garden signage in the area (also developed by Ecocreative).
The cultural map was produced on an outdoor-resistant recycled paper stock, and printed using vegetable-based inks, so that when its job is done may be returned to the earth as silently as the Kaurna sites of which it speaks.
City of Holdfast Bay Community Development Officer, Jenni Reynolds, stated (we) are ‘so pleased with the finished product’ and ‘proud to have led this important initiative that supports the organisation’s reconciliation agreement with the Kaurna people. We are now working with local schools, linking Indigenous places, culture and language with lifelong learning.’
Ecocreative hopes the guide sets a precedent and leads to a greater appreciation of what is so special about Aboriginal culture and language.
