Aussie tourists have been accused of disrespecting First Nations people after they covered an Indigenous land claim sign with their own homemade posters.
The Cape York Tip in Queensland, also known by its traditional name Pajinka, is the northernmost point of the Australian mainland.
A sign at the iconic landmark signifies the final destination for travellers who have made the strenuous journey to the remote location.
About 60,000 people visit each year and take a photo with the sign, which read: ‘You are standing at the northernmost point of the Australian continent’.
However, earlier this year, it was replaced with a revised sign which features a plaque recognising the traditional owners of the land.
‘You are standing on the land of the Gudang Yadhaykenu people ‘Pajinka’ at the northernmost point of the Australian continent,’ it reads.
In protest of the updated sign, multiple visitors have covered the plaque with homemade versions of the original sign and taken photos for social media.
The trend has sparked widespread backlash, with many criticising the act as inflammatory and disrespectful to traditional owners.
The sign at the Cape York Tip in Queensland was replaced earlier this year and now recognises the traditional owners of the land (the new sign is pictured)
Aussie tourists have started covering up the official plaque with their own makeshift posters
‘They covered up the name that specifically acknowledged my Country,’ one said.
‘Imagine going all the way with the intention to be disrespectful,’ a second wrote.
‘White people still trying to make a statement. That is Aboriginal land. Always was and always will be. Respect it,’ a third commented.
However, the trend also received support from some Aussies.
‘Are you able to tell me the dimensions so I can make one for our trip next year?’ one person asked.
‘Awesome job. Better than the sign that is there, don’t understand why the old sign wasn’t left in place,’ a second wrote.
Gudang Yadhaykenu man Michael Solomon said the signs were ‘disrespectful’.
He said the trend was a violation of a 2019 hand back following a successful native title claim to 210,000 hectares in the Cape York region.
Traditional owners have labelled the trend as ‘disrespectful’ (pictured, a homemade sign)
‘It’s disrespectful to traditional owners and a disrespect to the act of the Federal Court when they handed down the determination,’ Mr Solomon told the Cairns Post.
‘I feel angry. We are all connected to this land and they have to respect that.’
The incident is the latest in a long-running feud between tourists and traditional owners at the Cape York Tip.
Incidents at the landmark include public nudity, graffiti on rocks and the unauthorised installation of memorial plaques.
Mr Solomon said the Gudang/Yadhaykenu Aboriginal Corporation was now calling for tourists to be led by a ranger when visiting the site.
