South Australia's Aboriginal people and communities are being invited to have their say about plans to establish statues and monuments recognising Aboriginal leaders.
The Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement Dr Roger Thomas is seeking the views of community members from around South Australia regarding this initiative, including who they think should be recognised.
The Commissioner said most statues and monuments across South Australia celebrate the history of those who colonised Australia.
It is planned for a number of Aboriginal people to be commemorated for their outstanding contribution to the Aboriginal community of South Australia.
The Commissioner will have discussions with various non-Aboriginal stakeholders and potential benefactors including local government, philanthropic and various industry partners regarding potential co-funding arrangements.
Aboriginal people can have their say until 7 October 2022, via the YourSAy consultation page or by contacting the Office of the Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement.
Quotes attributable to Dr Roger Thomas, Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement
There are many examples of Aboriginal people whose lives and accomplishments have been extraordinary but their names and their contributions are not widely known.
We want to hear from South Australian Aboriginal people to see who they think could be recognised.
Quotes attributatable to Kyam Maher, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Every South Australian should know more about our history and the Aboriginal people who have helped make our State what it is today.
We want to honour their achievements and contributions through statues or monuments that will attract public interest and awareness, but also pride in our Aboriginal history and heritage.
We've committed to spending $1 million for statues and monuments that recognise Aboriginal people and leaders. Talking with Aboriginal people and communities is an important step forward and I look forward to their ideas and suggestions.