Monday 4 January 2021

New Yaegl signage as Clarence Valley enters a new year


People driving south down the Pacific Highway in past years will remember the sign welcoming people to Yaegl Country. Well now there are six new signs being erected to properly reflect the Yaegl people's recognised connection to Country.... 


(l-r) Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC CEO William (Billy) Walker, YTOAC director and manager Dianne Chapman and artist Charlene Williams. Image: Geoff Helisma.Clarence Valley Independent

 

The Daily Telegraph, 29 December 2020: 


Colourful new signs are popping up on roads along the east coast in what local Indigenous leaders hope will be a precedent across the state. 


Minister Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the statewide pilot of the new signs kicked off this week on Yaegl Country in the NSW Northern Rivers region. 


“Many of the transport routes we take for granted today follow traditional Aboriginal Songlines, trade routes and ceremonial paths in Country followed by Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years,” Mr Toole said. 


“These include roads, rail lines and water crossings around the state, so it’s a step forward to recognise the lands these routes cross by incorporating the new Acknowledgement of Country signs at important locations.” ......


Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC CEO Bill Walker said: “Yaegl people always have and always will have the physical and spiritual connection to the land, rivers and sea and will keep maintaining their culture through Caring For Country”. Transport for NSW has also worked closely with other Aboriginal Nations to roll out similar signs across the state.


IMAGE: NBN News

This logo will be displayed at six sites along the Pacific Highway and Big River Way commencing at the northern and southern boundaries of Yaegl Country.


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