Walking together with First Nations
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board acknowledges and respects the traditional owners of the ancestral lands and waters of the Limestone Coast. We acknowledge the elders past, present and future and we respect the deep feelings of attachment and relationships of Aboriginal Peoples to Country including the language groups: Meintangk, Potaruwutij, Bunganditj, Tatiara/Ngarkat, Tanganekald (Southern Clans) and Ngarrindjeri.
We walk together with the First Nations of the South East and the Ngarrindjeri peoples through organisations such as Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, the Ngarrindjeri Lands & Progress Aboriginal Corporation and South East Aboriginal Focus Group.
Lartara-Wirkeri Cultural Governance
The South East Aboriginal Focus Group are the traditional custodians of the South East of South Australia. They meet regularly to apply their cultural knowledge to various environmental issues across the Limestone Coast region and also champion support for the Aboriginal managed lands. The Limestone Coast Landscape Board is continuing a 20 year working relationship with the group.
In 2008 the South East Aboriginal Focus Group began their journey to revive culture in a highly modified landscape. The South East Aboriginal Focus group, in collaboration with Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, developed a governance framework. Called the Lartara-Wirkeri Cultural Governance Framework it secures ownership of culture in a modified landscape.
Lartara-Wirkeri translates to sticks-three and is a contemporary application of the ancient form of communication and organisation. The three sticks represent different stages of working together. Song & Dance (We will celebrate when…), Ceremony & Talk (Plan together…) and Hunt & Gather (Do Together…). The framework respects ancestors and uses cultural symbology to promote First Nation autonomy.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board embraces the Lartara-Wirkeri Cultural Governance Framework in its work. It is a tool for creating change and exploring opportunities. It supports our organisation, and invites others to do so too.
We walk with all First Nations people.
Walking Together Statement
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board is committed to walking with First Nations people. The Walking Together Statement is embedded in our work and reflects the Lartara-Wirkeri Cultural Governance Framework. We walk together in caring for our regional landscape with cultural knowledge and outcomes at the centre.
This statement outlines the values and principles that guide how we walk together with First Nations. It guides how we plan, what we do and when we celebrate with First Nations.
We celebrate our Walking Together Statement when
- Our shared management positions the landscape in a condition that meets the aspirations and needs of future generations.
- Our shared processes and governance fulfils the objectives of First Nations and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board.
- Our knowledge sharing and partnership has created enduring mutual respect and awareness.
- Our walking together actions support First Nations to maintain their cultural and spiritual obligations to care for Ngatji (totems) and landscapes across the region.
Underpinning this celebration is the following values and principles:
Values:
- authenticity.
Principles:
- responsiveness
- trusting, genuine, meaningful relationships
- evaluation processes that hold everyone accountable.
Under our Walking Together Statement we do together
- On ground works that create economic and employment opportunities for First Nations.
- So that the capacity of both First Nations and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board is built to better manage our landscape management.
- Actions that respect the important role of Ngatji (totems) in the landscape.
- Promote activities delivered in partnership with First Nations people.
- Learning together and from each other.
Underpinning this action is the following values and principles:
Values:
- accountability
- we collaborate.
Principles:
- ensure the right supporting structure is in place
- build understanding.
Under our Walking Together Statement we plan together
- Using knowledge sharing to generate shared purpose and common ground.
- Ensuring the voice of First Nations is represented through genuine inclusion.
- Engaging First Nations early with data and evidence, respecting knowledge and experience in co-designing and developing walking together action.
Underpinning this planning is the following values and principles:
Values:
- transparency.
Principles:
- finding common ground
- generate shared purpose
- simple language and terminology
- inclusive decision-making
- legislative responsibilities.
View the Limestone Coast Landscape Board Walking Together Statement [PDF, 1 MB]
Learn about the Artist and the artwork
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board commissioned an artwork to be used with the Walking Together Statement. Commissioned artist Marie Clarke, is a proud Wemba Wemba, Wergaia, Gunditjmara woman. Marie was born and lives in Bordertown, South Australia. Marie re-connected to her artistic side through this art piece. The round art canvas depicts the flow and cycles of nature and life and the continuum of earth and the universe. It portrays First Nations peoples' connection to the environment.
This art piece is a mixed medium work that gives an aerial view of the various regions of the Limestone Coast and surrounding areas.
The textures and colours that Marie has created and used throughout the artwork represent the essences of life and the shapes and features of the changing landscape and earth. All represent that which makes the Limestone Coast and surrounds, unique.
"No matter who we are, if we work together to preserve, rectify and right the land and waterways for the future, then we hold the key to survival. We rely on the environment to sustain us, to keep us alive. It is a reciprocal relationship. Healing the environment is healing the people." Artist Marie Clarke
Yarning the South East Seasons
Yarning the South East Seasons connects Limestone Coast landholders with the South East Aboriginal Focus Group representatives and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board. It is a space to share stories and knowledge about land use and management. But most importantly, respecting and protecting cultural heritage.
Check out the clip below to find out more information on the Yarning the South East Season's project.