The Yarram Yarram Landcare Network acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners on whose lands we live and work -
the Gunaikurnai people. We recognise your historic and ongoing care of the diverse landscapes that we call home.
​As the original land-carers, your guidance is important to us as we protect this unique land, together. 
Always was, always will be, Gunaikurnai Country.

GUNAIKURNAI LAND AND WATERS ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) is recognised as the:

• Traditional Owner Body Corporate under Federal Native Title Act
• Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) within their area of determination.

The Yarram Yarram Landcare Network sits solely within Gunaikurnai land and waters.  For this reason, it is important for members wishing to undertake on-ground Landcare works in the region to understand the State's Aboriginal cultural heritage management process.   Our Network works with GLaWAC via the WGCMA when determining projects on-ground - all members are asked to contact the YYLN Office for guidance.

There are also a number of resources available reference:

• WGCMA online resources: https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/news/latest-news/learning-about-cultural-heritage
• Cultural Heritage Information Pack (CHIP) - designed to assist Landcarers to protect Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in all the projects they undertake across the West Gippsland Catchment region.  These are available from the YYYLN Office.
• Aboriginal Heritage Identification Guide
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Guide for Landcare and environmental volunteering groups and networks - https://www.landcarevic.org.au/resources/aboriginal-cultural-heritage-guide/​

DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY AND A WELCOME TO COUNTRY?

Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.  It can be given by anyone and is usually done at meetings and events.  Within the WGCMA the follwoing wording may be used:
"Our meeting is being held on the Traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai and I wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners.  I pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging and to the Elders of other communities who may be here today."

Welcome to Country
A Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by a local Aboriginal person of significance (usually an Elder) to acknowledge and give consent to events taking place on their traditional lands.