Celebration of First Nations Cultures
National Trust celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures from Currumbin to Cooktown and honours the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Queensland. NTAQ acknowledges the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the many traditional lands and language groups of Queensland. We thank them for caring for Country, the lands, waters, flora, fauna.
We are currently in the process of finalising our second reconciliation action plan, ensuring cultural significance is showcased through our heritage sites state-wide. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary proudly presents a daily Aboriginal dance and culture show, highlighting the deep connection the local Yugambeh peoples have with Country. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to cultural learning sites such as a yarning circle, where tailored Aboriginal education programs are taught to students of all year levels.
NTAQ’s newest property, Garima Conservation Reserve, in Currumbin Valley is also being developed as a First Nations Tourism venue. Stay tuned for more details to come on the fabulous work being done to build industry leading programs that are inclusive and empower the local First Nations community.
Further north Cooktown Museum houses significant artefacts from the local Indigenous communities. In 2019, the precinct received a major redevelopment, creating dual – narrative story telling and truth telling of colonisation and the first interactions local Traditional Owners had with Lt. Cook. Cooktown Museum also features multiple artistic works by local First Nations artists from the Hopevale Community Art Centre.