These racist Queensland creek names are finally being changed

The move is part of a wider push from the Federal and Queensland Government to change place names using derogatory language.

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'Blackfellows Creek' and 'Black G** Creek' are no more in Queensland, after the racist names were replaced with traditional place names.

The new names Bana Gindarja and Watyakan creek have been officially gazetted by the Queensland government.

'Blackfellows Creek' near Cairns first appeared on the map in about 1883, but local Elders from the area say it's been known by the Yidiny name of Bana Gindarja, meaning Cassowary, for thousands of years.
'Black G** Creek', using a derogatory term for Aboriginal women, also started to appear in maps of Longreach at the same time.

Bidjara Elders have previously told NITV the name given to the creek by white settlers does not reflect the women who resided there at the time, and that the word is considered harmful and racist.

The new name, which means 'women's creek' in the Iningai language was chosen following community consultation in 2022.
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Black G** Creek in Longreach has returned to an Indigenous name paying respect to women.
A spokesperson for the custodians of Iningai Country said changing the name to Watyakan was a step in the right direction.

“The former name of the creek and the real reasons it was called that has its origins in a disturbing part of our local history,” they said.

“This name change is a step forward for the community into a more inclusive future.”
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the former name "Black G** Creek" used racist language and that he was glad the name had been changed.

“Watyakan is an Iningai word for women’s creek and is a respectful way to pay tribute to those who historically camped near it.

“The former creek name is offensive, particularly towards First Nations women, and I’d like to thank the Longreach Regional Council for putting the name change proposal forward,” Mr Stewart said.

The Queensland and Federal Governments have both pledged to work with Indigenous communities to change other insensitive place names.

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2 min read
Published 13 January 2023 4:00pm
By Dijana Damjanovic
Source: NITV

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