Proud Indigenous cultures with a long history and bright future
Cairns has long been a multicultural hub, home to many languages, stories, lives, and cultures. Around 10% of Cairns residents identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with some First Nations people tracing their connection to this land back thousands of years.
Traditional owners of the Cairns region include the Djabugay; Yirriganydji; Bulwai, Gimuy Walubara Yidinji; Bundabarra and Wadjanbarra Yidinji; Mandingalbay Yidinji; Gunggandji; Dulabed and Malanbara Yidinji; Wanyurr Majay; Mamu and Ngadjonjii peoples.
The Traditional Owners from the Djabugay and Yidinji peoples encourage newcomers to Cairns to learn the stories of the past when they come to Cairns for a brighter future.
Welcome to Country
Yirriganydji (Djabugay peoples): the rainforest and the sea
Yirriganydji man Gavin Singleton, who coordinates the Yirriganydji Land and Sea Rangers and is a Project Manager at Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation, describes Cairns as a welcoming and special place for all.
In Yirrganydji Dreaming, the Rainbow Serpent is known as Gudjugudju. After shaping the landscape, Gudjugudju curled up and went to sleep at Wangal Djungay - the place where the fast-moving Dreamtime boomerang landed. This area is now known as Double Island.
The mangroves at the northern end of the Esplanade are also a special place for the Yirriganydji people, who belong to the Djabugay language group of Far North Queensland. Their intimate knowledge of the land, waters, flora, fauna, seasons, and weather reflects their deep connection to both rainforest and coastal environments. As rainforest-dwelling and seafaring people, they relied on and protected the resources of both to meet their needs.
Cairns is always a great place to be.. to live, and enjoy. The environment that we have, with the lovely mangroves, wetlands and some our great river catchments means there are a lot of places to swim, fish, picnic areas, and enjoy the outdoors. On behalf of our community here of the Djabugay language group , I would just like to say, we wish you be in good spirits while you're here.
Yirriganydji Traditional Owner, Gavin Singleton
Yidinji peoples: Bringing together people and communities
Yidinji man Carl Fourmile, from the land of Gimuy in Far North Queensland, is the artistic director of Minjil, a company that provides cultural awareness training and Indigenous ceremonies and dance in Cairns. In Yidinji language, Minjil means "spark from a fire that shoots up into the night sky." Fire holds great significance in Aboriginal culture, symbolizing the way it brings people and communities together.
The Yidinji people are one of the largest groups in the Cairns area. The Yidi Bama (people) speak Yidin/Yidiny.
In 1898, the Yidinji people and King’s Counsel reached an agreement to stop attacks from both sides. The governor at the time also provided free food and blankets to the Yidinji people as long as the Commonwealth remained on their land.
The Yidinji people had eight clans that were custodians of the tribe’s estate and spoke several dialects throughout the Coastal and Tablelands areas around Cairns.
One of Cairns' most popular family parks, Goomboora, holds special significance for the Yidinji people.
"It is where a big snake travelled through and hit the rocks, as it was hitting the rocks, sparks came off from its scales from the friction of the rubbing of the scales in the rocks. It carved his way through the creek line out the Baron and into the veering into the ocean. This place here is very sacred," explains Carl.
When you come to Cairns, think... we have a whole different perspective on the geographical areas, in our stories and in our culture in our way that we would like to share with you. So come, be a part of everything and know the country.
Yidinji Traditional Owner, Carl Fourmile