Aboriginal Shire of Pormpuraaw: History
Kuuk Thaayorre (also known as Koko-Daiyuri, Kuku Yak, Thayorre, and used as a generic name for several related languages/dialects) is an Australian Aboriginal Language spoken on Western Cape York, particularly in the area around Pormpuraaw (Edward River). The Thaayorre language region includes the landscape within Pormpuraaw Community Council and the Cook Shire Council.
The area originally was set up as the Edward River Mission in 1938. Aboriginal people from the region were gradually drawn from their traditional lands into the mission settlement.
In 1967 the Anglican church were no longer able to sustain their activities in the area as a church mission. The Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs, a government department, under the Act continued running the affairs of the community.
On 28 July 1987, under the Community Services (Aborigines) Act 1984, a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) was given to the community. Like other DOGIT communities of the time, Pormpuraaw had a town council elected by Aboriginal people living in the community. The newly-formed Pormpuraaw Council assumed responsibility for implementing certain conditions of the DOGIT. Four elected Aboriginal residents plus a mayor hold four year terms of office.