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.
Aboriginal Culture
The Kaurna people are the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains on which Adelaide is located.
As you explore the city and North Adelaide, you'll see and experience Kaurna, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a number of ways.
Walking Trails
A great place to start learning about Aboriginal cultures is Topham Mall.
Part of the Market to Riverbank trail, the artwork "Riverbank is a Kaurna Market" by Paul Herzich invites you to experience aspects of Kaurna culture as you move through the area.
You'll learn more about Kaurna and European history in the city by following the Kaurna Walking Trail, which links 17 significant sites along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari, North Terrace and into Victoria Square /Tarntanyangga.
Please note: due to current redevelopment work in the Riverbank precinct, some of the features have been moved for safety, and will be reinstated at a later date.
Arts and artefacts
The South Australian Museum is home to a fascinating collection of Aboriginal artefacts.
The collection is the largest of its type in the world, with around 30,000 items collected across Australia since 1890. Today the collection is curated in partnership with Aboriginal people and communities.
If you're after genuine Aboriginal art to take home, visit Indigenu Art of Australia in Sturt Street, or the APY Gallery on Light's Square, and leave knowing the proceeds of your purchase goes directly to the artists.
Park and plazas
As you move about the city and explore the beautiful Park Lands, you'll notice that all the parks have dual English / Kaurna names.
This can be a great way to learn more about the area as the Kaurna names pay tribute to a local Elder, or Kaurna link to the area.
Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga - the place of the red kangaroo dreaming, was a central meeting place for Kaurna people. Today people of all nationalities and cultures meet and celebrate in the Square.
Did you know that Victoria Square/ Tarntanyangga was also the birthplace of the Australian Aboriginal flag?
It was first raised there in July 1971 at a Land Rights rally. You can learn more at the interactive display on the flagpole in the centre of the area known as Reconciliation Square and see the Cultural Marker, created when the City of Adelaide, artist Jacob Logos and members of the Kaurna community and wider Aboriginal community came together to create this significant public artwork, launched in NAIDOC Week 2017.
Cultural events
Throughout the year you can immerse yourself in Aboriginal cultures through a variety of events.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia each July. It's a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Tarnanthi is a wonderful festival celebrating contemporary Aboriginal Art through exhibitions, talks and performances. Held annually in October, the exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia continues into January the following year so you can visit several times.
Learn more about significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.