The awards wrap up the first week of July, known as NAIDOC Week, dedicated to celebrating the cultures, achievements and strength of the country’s First Peoples who have been sustaining the oldest continuous cultures on the planet.
Awards include those for 'Elder of the Year', 'Person of the Year to 'Apprentice of the Year' and 'Artist of the Year'.
The 2015 NAIDOC motto is 'We all Stand on Sacred Ground' to acknowledge the intrinsic connection Indigenous Australians have with the land.
The country now known as South Australia has incredible significance to Indigenous Australians, such as the Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Mirning and Kokotha peoples who are from the area, NAIDOC South Australia says.
Kati Thankda
Kati Thankda is the Arabana name for Lake Eyre, created by a hunter who skinned a kangaroo and spread its skin out to dry. The hunter moved it across the area until it became the lake we know today.
Gudnampanha
Gudnampanha is the Arabana name for Curdimurka railway siding, the primary home camp for Arabana people for many centuries.
Moorundi
Moorundi is the Ngarrindjeri name for Murray Bridge in the state. This is a significant place for the Ngarrindjeri people for hunting and fishing.
Raukkan
Raukkan is a sacred Ngarrindjeri place that means ‘ancient gathering site’. It’s located by the Lake Alexandrina.
Euria
Euria is significant for the Wirangu people. Euria is linked to the travels of the eagle. Euria is pronounced yoo-ree-ah
Karangk
Karangk means ‘narrow neck’. It is the Ngarrindjeri word for the Coorong and is a sacred place for Ngarrindjeri people. They have a connection to the Murray River, lakes and Coorong.
Ilgamba
Ilgamba is a significant place for the Mirning people. It is also referred to as the ‘Head of the Bight’. This is the home and birthing place Gudda-mah (the Southern Right Whale).
Yultuny
Yultuny is a special place for Kokotha people. It is known now as Ooldea (yool-dee-ah). Ooldea is a meeting and trading place.
Ngangkiparingga
Ngangkiparingga is a sacred Kaurna Country area. It is now known as Onkaparinga and is a sacred women’s river area.
Karrawirra Pari
Karrawirra Pari, known now as Redgum Forest River or River Torrens, is another sacred Kaurna Country area. Karrawirra Pari provided water, fish, other foods and shelter for Kaurna people.
Tarntanya
Tarntanya is the Kaurna people’s word for Adelaide. It means ‘red male kangaroo rock’.
Information about country in South Australia area was kindly provided by NAIDOC South Australia
