Aboriginal soldiers honoured with sculpture at busy city intersection

Past and present Aboriginal soldiers have been honoured with four new sculptures designed by Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation Director, Tania Taylor.

The artwork has been permanently installed as part of the Goodwood, Springbank and Daws Road intersection upgrade to recognise Aboriginal heritage. The four sculptures represent a ceremonial flame, a traditional Kaurna warrior, a soldier representing World War I and II soldiers, and another representing modern-day soldiers respectively.

The Kaurna word for remember, ‘mukapaanthi’ is also displayed,

“Mukapaanthi – remember, the struggles during colonisation with the taking of land and massacre of people and Mukapaanthi – remember that Kaurna people and Aboriginal people have been involved defending their country in every armed conflict that Australia has been involved in,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher said.

“Tens of thousands of people who travel along Goodwood Road will get to see these sculptures and give time and a cause to reflect.”

The sculptures, funded by both the state and federal governments, are part of what the SA Government says is part of its election promise to better recognise Aboriginal heritage.

100+ Aboriginal leaders nominated to be remembered through statues or monuments

More than 100 Aboriginal leaders have been nominated by South Australian Aboriginal communities to be recognised with a statue or monument, through a new multi-million dollar government program to acknowledge Indigenous heritage in our state.

“The community were very clear and very passionate that it was ‘about time’ and they fully supported this initiative,” said SA’s Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, Roger Thomas, who has consulted with Aboriginal communities and organisations around the state on the matter.

“If we had more Aboriginal statues and monuments with plaques with details of those people and what they brought to the community, that will facilitate and enhance the education of the broader community.”

Some South Australian Aboriginal Elders, however, have raised concerns that this is not the best way to pay tribute to these leaders and believe that recognition should be broader and ongoing.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher has been tasked with selecting the criteria and shortlisting those nominated, from which six people will ultimately be selected to be commemorated.

For full details go to abc.net.au and seach for ‘Aboriginal leaders’.