Warning
Users of this website should be aware that in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, seeing the names and photographs of deceased people may cause sadness and distress, particularly to relatives of those people. Before using the reconciliation section of this website in such communities, readers should establish what the wishes of senior community members are and take their advice on procedures and safeguards to be adopted.
Kaurna heritage
Josh Geelen & Kuma Kaaru
Adelaide is located on the traditional Country of the Kaurna people.
City of Adelaide acknowledges that we are meeting on the traditional Country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today. And we also extend that respect to other Aboriginal Language Groups and other First Nations.
A strong heritage
The Adelaide Plains are the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, stretching from Port Broughton down to Cape Jervis. Kaurna actively manage the land and live off the land and waterways of the region.
Kaurna is the language spoken, and as you move around the city today, you’ll see it used in many ways. The main square in the heart of the city is known as Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga, reflecting the Kaurna name for the area- Tarntanyangga - which means Red kangaroo dreaming. Similarly, the river is named River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, reflecting the Kaurna name meaning Redgum forest. All 29 parks and significant heritage sites across the city and Park Lands have been assigned a Kaurna name.
Kaurna art and culture
In addition to Kaurna, other Aboriginal language groups are represented in art and culture and are widely celebrated throughout Adelaide. A great way to discover it is through the Adelaide Kaurna Walking Trail (please note due to redevelopment in the Festival Theatre/Riverbank precinct, some attractions may be temporarily inaccessible or have been moved to protect the item).
Another example of Kaurna art is The Riverbank is a Kaurna Marketplace, by Kaurna Artist Paul Herzich and built in 2018.The artwork consists of a series of sandblasted images along Topham Mall. Drawn from Kaurna culture this installation allows people to walk in the ancient footsteps of the Kaurna people between the river to the market.