Uncle Allan Welcome stands as a storyteller and custodian of Great Palm Island, weaving together the past and present of a land rich with culture and history. As he speaks, he paints a vivid picture of the islands that make up his homeland. "My name is Alan Palm Island. We are here on Spoongeman Barra, Great Palm Island," he begins, grounding his narrative in a deep sense of place and belonging.
Elder Allan's voice carries the weight of his ancestors, as he shares the language and names that define the islands: "Our language is Mulkal... we speak our language, that we call Nakarawaraka Burbanbara." Each name he utters carries the spirit of the land and the people who have called it home for generations.
He describes the physical landscape with reverence: "Today we just wanted to say that the islands behind me, it's Nuru, but they call it Curacao..." His words are not just descriptions; they are connections to the past, to the stories and the people who have shaped this land.
A sense of pride and accomplishment shines through as Uncle Allan talks about the emblem of Great Palm Island, featuring the Mingina Mingina Ranges. "We, we put the designs on it as a two, because our boundary is, is, is come into form of a, of a big Mandaray." This emblem is a symbol of identity and unity, a testament to the resilience of the community.
In his welcome, Elder Allan invites all to recognize and respect the sacredness of this place: "I'm just trying to welcome you all today. Thanks for coming." His words are an open invitation to understand and appreciate the cultural richness of Great Palm Island.
Through his storytelling, Uncle Allan Welcome not only honors his heritage but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging, reminding us of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity.
Allan Palm Island
Palm Island, Queensland
Allan Palm Island is a Traditional Owner Director on the PICC Board, representing the Manbarra people (Wulgurukaba). He learned cultural traditions from his father starting at age 8 and studied the stories of the Nanggarra Wanggarra people. Allan holds a Master of Fine Arts from RMIT University Melbourne (1999). His art practice depicts land and sea life, embodying the spiritual connection to ancestors and Country.
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