Apple Maps Landmark Update

In a significant move towards cultural recognition and reconciliation, Apple has announced a major update to its Maps service, integrating Indigenous place names and land acknowledgements across Australia and New Zealand. This update, the culmination of four years of collaborative work with First Nations communities, marks a pivotal moment in the tech giant's commitment to respecting and showcasing Indigenous heritage.

Effective immediately, Apple Maps will display over 250 dual place names for cities and towns, alongside land borders for Indigenous protected areas and reserves. Users will also see the traditional owners of various regions, presented without delineating specific land boundaries. This initiative extends beyond Maps, with Indigenous place names now integrated into applications such as Weather, Find My, and even third-party apps like Qantas, enabling seamless search and display of dual names.

A unique feature of this update allows Indigenous groups to contribute to their representation by submitting community photos and creating place cards, enhancing awareness and understanding. This comprehensive overhaul draws from a wide range of sources, including local language holders, regional and urban language centres, and Aboriginal Land Trusts, with data corroborated by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).

"Sharing our story and deep connection to the land is a meaningful moment for our community – a testament to our resilience, history, and vision for the future," said Rodriguez Pindiying, a member of the Mam-ada-werre community. "This isn’t just about geography; it’s about preserving our culture and ensuring Mamadawerre’s legacy for generations. Through Apple, we have the rare privilege of sharing our heritage on a global stage, reminding the world that no matter how distant we may seem, our connection to the land, to each other, and to the world is universal."

The update, which is not optional for users and cannot be turned off, brings Australia and New Zealand in line with Canada and the United States, where Apple introduced similar Indigenous land recognition in 2023. With Apple Maps boasting a global audience of approximately 500 million users, the impact of this initiative is far-reaching.

"Technology companies communicate to millions and millions of users in ways that have just become second nature for most people," said Steve De Roy, Anishinaabe man and co-founder of the Firelight Group in Canada. "The ability to be able to see Indigenous lands elevated on those platforms becomes really powerful."

In New Zealand, Apple collaborated closely with Indigenous cartographers and iwi (Māori tribes) to develop detailed place cards and map icons. "For Tūhourangi, this partnership with Apple Maps is more than just a technological collaboration," said Annie Balle, from Tūhourangi iwi. "It reflects our role as kaitiaki (caretakers), ensuring the protection and accurate representation of our cultural heritage. By bringing our stories to a global audience, we can uphold our narratives, safeguard our data sovereignty, and demonstrate how Indigenous knowledge and technology can work together to promote cultural understanding and sustainability."
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This landmark update by Apple Maps represents a significant step towards acknowledging and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples in Australia and New Zealand, fostering greater understanding and respect on a global scale.

Ep 317 - This image is used under the Fair Use provision for the purpose of review and commentary. Source: https://www.apple.com/au