Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) has been honoured at the 2017 NAIDOC Awards in Cairns over the weekend, winning the prestigious Caring for Country award.
Acting Redland City Mayor Wendy Boglary said the awards recognised the exceptional commitment the elders from North Stradbroke, Moreton and Moreton Bay islands show their traditional lands and culture.
“Congratulations to MMEIC, who were among five Queensland recipients of the ten national awards for excellence announced over the weekend,” said Cr Boglary.
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“This award, which was accepted in Cairns on Saturday night by Aunty Merle Dipple and Aunty Lynette Shipway on behalf of MMEIC, is national recognition of the exceptional talent, commitment and achievements of our local traditional owners.
“As well as their breath-taking beauty, the islands of Moreton Bay have a rich cultural heritage dating back tens of thousands of years, and this national award celebrates the efforts of the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in preserving culture and country for future generations.
“Since it commenced in 1993, MMEIC has worked hard to preserve and pass on knowledge of their heritage to ensure the stories and culture of their people continue for years to come.
“The award comes in the same week as today’s sixth anniversary of the historic Native Title Determination for North Stradbroke Island when the Federal Court recognised the continuous connection between the island’s indigenous community and the land and waters of Minjerribah.”
Cr Boglary said Council was providing a free community program of events to encourage all Redland residents to participate in this year’s NAIDOC Week.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to learn more about the first people of this nation, acknowledge the important role they continue to play in forging our nation’s history and to celebrate their rich culture,” she said.
“Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) is hosting an amazing Our Languages Matter: A NAIDOC Showcase from 12pm on Sunday 9 July and the Redland Libraries are offering multicultural story times.
“There are also two new exhibitions featuring Indigenous artists at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland, including Ruby and Hunter by Claudia Moodoonuthi and Island Made, which features handmade functional objects by local artists and makers.
“NAIDOC Week also marks the beginning of the Quandamooka Festival, a three-month program of events and activities to celebrate local Aboriginal culture, country and people.”
Visit our What’s On Calendar for Council and community events scheduled for the week.
