caring for country Archives

Beyond Tokenism: A Modern Approach to Acknowledging Country with Practical Tips

Beyond Tokenism: A Modern Approach
to Acknowledging Country with Practical Tips

Aboriginal Partnerships Manager, Den Barber recently shared his personal perspective on the practice of Acknowledgement of Country at the first Regional Landcare Coordinators Meeting under the Landcare Enabling Program. This followed on from a moving Acknowledgement performed at Murrumbateman during a visit by the Board and the Minister, the Hon. Tara Moriarty. Den emphasised that he was speaking solely for himself, recognising that each First Nations person would have their own interpretation and way to show their respects to both Country and Elders.

Distinguishing between Acknowledgements and Welcomes to Country, Den underscored the significance of the former, expressing concern that it often feels perfunctory and lacking in genuine meaning. He stressed that Acknowledgements need not be performed at every meeting and suggested that their relevance should be considered in relation to the meeting’s primary purpose.

Den proposed that organisations such as Landcare could establish guidelines for meaningful Acknowledgements. Landcare is an organisation that should be leading the way as its purpose is to protect the Country we all live and work on. This is what we do! When we protect and nourish Country, we are making sure that future generations can thrive. Whilst traditionally the host might lead the Acknowledgement, Den suggested that any attendee could do so, highlighting the importance of personal connection to the land.

He recommended incorporating specific details, such as the name of the Traditional Lands, into introductions or presentations during online meetings. Additionally, Den encouraged creative expressions of connection to Country, such as wearing Aboriginal-designed clothing or sharing personal experiences, like capturing photos of significant natural occurrences.

While advocating for creativity, Den cautioned against politicising or disrespecting Indigenous culture. He offered his support and guidance to individuals seeking to incorporate meaningful Acknowledgements into their practices, welcoming collaboration and respectful dialogue.

In a recent trip to the Central West Regional Community of Practice event held in Parkes, Den’s proclivity to watch out for artefacts was rewarded by stumbling across the pictured eggs – which are those of the Black Winged Stilt – confirmed by an angry bird, and an APP.

Given that the birds generally lay 4 – 6 eggs, it’s not surprising that he or she was extremely protective. Fox scats, and prints were present across the site, so it’s possible that some of the eggs may have been snaffled. The sighting occurred on the former sewerage ponds which had been decommissioned and turned into a wetlands area. It is now proving to be a suitable breeding habitat. Despite not yet being open to the public, large dog prints were also observed during the visit. Thanks to Marg Applebee for arranging the morning tour with our host Michael from Parkes Shire Council.

Image: Black Winged Stilt eggs

Landcare NSW ‘Working Together’ with Aboriginal communities during NAIDOC Week

Landcare NSW today celebrated a new look for the ‘Working Together’ Aboriginal Landcare Engagement Program to mark NAIDOC Week.

The Aboriginal Landcare Engagement Program is part of the NSW Landcare Program, a $22.4 million investment co-delivered by Landcare NSW and NSW Local Land Services and supported by the NSW Government.

Landcare NSW CEO, Dr Adrian Zammit, says the initiative within the NSW Landcare Program will increase opportunities to consciously develop stronger connections and partnerships between Landcare groups and Aboriginal Communities.

“At the heart of this initiative is the goal of building engagement between Landcare and Aboriginal communities,” said Dr Zammit.

“Many Landcare groups have been working and collaborating successfully with Aboriginal Communities in local and regional contexts for many years. This program will provide a state-wide framework to support Aboriginal People to have a voice within Landcare; connect them with local Landcare Communities; and help share Traditional Land Management approaches.”

Driving the program is Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer Craig Aspinall who has been tasked with providing support and advice to Landcare NSW in developing mutually beneficial engagement and strengthened relations between Aboriginal Organisations and Landcare at local, regional and state levels across NSW.

“Since I commenced in the role in May 2020, numerous Landcare Groups have expressed their interest and desire in collaborating with Aboriginal people in some way. In many cases, people have a good idea of what they want to do. Some examples have included joint on-ground projects, interpretive signage, Welcome to Country & Cultural Workshops at a major local event, a cultural awareness activity for local Landcarers, a digital tool that can be used to record Aboriginal sites, an Aboriginal nursery supplying plants to Landcare – the list of ideas and options is countless,” said Mr Aspinall.

“Local people know their landscape, their stakeholders and their opportunities.

“The thing that excites me most is the prospect of facilitating opportunities for local Aboriginal and Landcare communities to collaborate, learn and share,” said Mr Aspinall.

Today the NSW Landcare Program unveiled the new-look branding for the initiative which will provide an identity and instil a sense of pride within NSW Aboriginal and Landcare communities.

A judging panel, formed by a Steering Committee, had the very challenging task of selecting a winner from so many wonderful Aboriginal artists from all over NSW.

The artwork titled “Working Together” was created by winning artist Jason Ridgeway – a proud Aboriginal artist from the Dunghutti Nation on the NSW Mid North Coast.

In describing his artwork, Jason said: “Working as one we will achieve all goals set in place to enjoy a beautiful future and keep our connections strong. If we don’t have a connection to country, then we don’t belong. Our land is precious – if we look after it, it will in return look after us. We as a people need to work together to help heal and look after changes to the land.”

Also announced was the launch of the “Working Together” Small Grants Program.

The small grants program seeks to support locally-driven collaboration activities to ensure that Aboriginal people become more immersed in the Landcare movement in NSW.

Grants of up to $2,000 are available to Aboriginal organisations and/or Landcare NSW Member Groups located within NSW.

To provide an additional incentive for Aboriginal communities to maintain ongoing engagement with the Landcare movement, successful applicants who are identified as an Aboriginal entity will also receive one year’s membership of Landcare NSW, which includes access to the full range of member benefits.

The NAIDOC 2020 Theme: “Always Was, Always Will Be.” recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. The NAIDOC theme acknowledges the original carers of the land, so it is even more special to us in the Landcare movement that we celebrate our own journey towards true Landcare and Aboriginal collaboration.

Information about NAIDOC, its history, events, etc can be found at www.naidoc.org.au

Meet Landcare NSW’s Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer

Meet Craig Aspinall, Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer

What is your role within the NSW Landcare Program?
My job title is “Community Landcare Aboriginal Engagement Officer”, and my role is to facilitate and improve opportunities for collaboration between Aboriginal communities and the Landcare movement in NSW.

How did you get involved in Landcare?
In 2005, I was the first appointee to the role of Catchment Officer (Aboriginal Communities) for the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, now known as Hunter Local Land Services. During my eight year tenure in the role I was privileged to be involved in some significant major projects across the region, including the Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Program and the Hexham Swamp Rehabilitation Project. The involvement of Landcare was intrinsic to the success of these projects, and I distinctly recall my amazement when walking through an area on Ash Island that was once a paddock, which had been rehabilitated by Landcare volunteers into a beautiful native coastal rainforest full of species of cultural significance.

Why do you care about Landcare?
As an Aboriginal man I stand firm in my acknowledgement that my Aboriginal ancestors were the original carers and stewards of land and sea country in NSW. Landcare is a movement that supports our relationships with the land, but also the relationships of the people, and the Landcare movement is driven by people.

What does ‘caring for country’ mean to you?
I am a proud Biripai man who was born and raised on the NSW Lower North Coast, and a descendant of Jack Cook of Gloucester. The belief that ‘if you look after the land and sea it will provide for your people’, has never been more important than now. To me, caring for country means ensuring future generations can enjoy the same or better natural environment than currently exists – inter-generational equity!

What have you learnt about the Landcare community since starting in your role?
Everyone is so friendly and welcoming! The other thing that has struck me is the sheer volume of Landcare people from all over NSW who are eager to learn from, and collaborate with, Aboriginal people. It was a little overwhelming at first, being just one Aboriginal Officer for the whole state, but I am gradually getting out there and meeting as many people as I can.

Why is it important to build connections and strengthen engagement between the Landcare movement and Aboriginal peoples?
To me, Landcare as a movement will not be completely fulfilled unless it incorporates Aboriginal people, culture and practices. I would again acknowledge that Aboriginal people have been the original carers and stewards of our land and sea country for generations – don’t you think they may know a thing or two about getting the most from the land without damaging it? But It needs to be an equal relationship and many Landcarers simply don’t know about protocols, where to start and who to contact – that’s where my role comes in.

How will your role assist in supporting Aboriginal people to have a voice within Landcare?
As I said above, it needs to be an equal relationship between Landcare and Aboriginal people and culture, but it is important that Aboriginal people are aware of Landcare in the first place, and the benefits that are gained by participating in Landcare. So, firstly I see my role as helping raise awareness across Aboriginal communities of Landcare, the NSW Landcare Program and the Aboriginal Engagement Program. Secondly, I want to provide support to activities that share knowledge and experiences between Aboriginal people and Landcarers – it is through these activities that long-lasting relationships can be formed.

What have you achieved so far in your role?
The first task for any major funded program is paperwork and approvals! The Aboriginal Program was quite an ‘open book’, so to speak. I had to work through numerous source documents, plans, strategies and reports to try and identify common themes, goals and outcomes. This became the basis for the Aboriginal Action Plan, which has now been approved by the governing bodies and is available on our website. I can now start the journey of implementing the activities that are in the Action Plan and hopefully improve people’s lives in some way – that is the most rewarding part!

What are some of the areas of the role that have excited you the most and have enjoyed since starting in this role? What are you most proud of?
The most exciting aspect of the role so far has been working towards building a profile and visual ‘brand’ for the Aboriginal Communities Engagement Program. I am very proud that we chose to incorporate the work of an Aboriginal artist for this and I hope that it becomes recognisable across both Aboriginal and Landcare communities as a positive symbol of collaboration.
I have also really enjoyed the limited opportunities (due to COVID) I have had to travel and meet with Landcare Groups and Aboriginal Communities. I have visited a fantastic Landcare demonstration site at Lake Liddell in the Upper Hunter, and attended several Cultural Awareness Training activities in the Central Tablelands region in which I learnt so much and met great people. I look forward to being invited to attend more meetings, events and on-ground activities right across NSW as we eventually move out of the current restrictions.

What are the key outcomes you hope to achieve?
I always try to make a difference and improve other people’s lives in any endeavour I am involved – whether work-related or personal. In my opinion, the ultimate outcome for Aboriginal people is firstly to achieve recognition in the wider community that traditional knowledge and practices, even in a contemporary context, are not inferior and should be highly valued. Secondly, it is fair to say that the natural resources of this continent have provided significant socio-economic benefits for the mainstream community for many years, of which Aboriginal people largely missed out. Nowadays, due to certain damaging practices being carried out in the exploitation and management of those natural resources for many years, we find ourselves with a large and growing economic sector that exists to address and rectify that damage, and Landcare is a key player in that sector. It is my goal to ensure that Aboriginal people are well-prepared to take up the opportunity to engage in and benefit from this new economy, as well as being fully respected for their knowledge, skills and practices.

This initiative made possible by the NSW Landcare Program. A collaboration of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW Inc. supported by the NSW Government.