Aurukun

Main language group: Wik-Mungkan

Aurukun is located 75 kilometres south of Weipa on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Populated by approximately 1050 people, the township is home to the Wik people. The area inhabited by the Wik people extends between the Archer and Edward Rivers and inland to Coen.

Aurukun was established as a Presbyterian mission in 1904. Although Presbyterian control of the mission saw Aboriginal children removed from their families and confined to dormitory-style life, many people remained outside the mission up until the 1950s. This is considered an important factor contributing to the continuing strength of Wik culture.

In response to the community's protests against bauxite mining in the area, state government control was imposed on the Aurukun community in 1975. In 1978 community members were given a 50-year lease on their land by the government, under the nominal control of an elected Aboriginal council.

More recently, Aurukun has established the Wik Homelands Land and Sea Management Centre, responsible for land management strategies and the development of small-scale eco-tourism opportunities.

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See also . . .

Learn about Flying Fox Story Place.
Learn about Thap yongk (Law poles).
Learn about artist Arthur Koo-ekka Pambegan Jr.
Learn about artist Joe Ngallametta.

Online references . . .

Visit the Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation website.