The cultural signage builds on the February 13 2008 National Apology and is designed to bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

The art consists of four cut out plates representing the Biripi Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of the campus grounds.

Institute director Elizabeth McGregor said the North Coast represents a special place in Aboriginal Australia.

"Our region is home to three of the most commonly spoken Aboriginal languages of New South Wales," she said.

"More than one in 10 of NSW's indigenous people live on the North Coast."

She said the indigenous and non-indigenous cultures have a lot to learn from each other, adding that the non-Aboriginal cultures are not recognising this.

"We need to respect and honour both cultures and learn to live together without either culture disappearing."

To build positive and future relationships Ms McGregor said education is the key.

"TAFE is committed to employing more Aboriginal staff in each of the TAFE campuses.

"The TAFE's Reconciliation Plan aims to strengthen the relationships and respect for Aboriginal people that has flowed from TAFE staff working together with Aboriginal students and communities at the 'grass roots'."

Ms McGregor said the cultural signage projects on the campuses acknowledge the deep roots that Aboriginal people provide to the region's cultural identity.

The artist behind the plates is Jaycent Davis.

He has been an artist since he was 16 years old and has studied art and design and electrical engineering.

Mr Davis also teaches Aboriginal culture and heritage part time at the TAFE.

Born and bred in Biripi country, Mr Davis said he likes to inspire everyone around him to learn more about his people's culture.

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He said each cultural signage plate displays a significant traditional symbol which is easily recognised by the general community and said the plates are an important symbol in the community and help boost morale.