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Taking Care of Culture Discussion Paper

Taking Care of Culture Discussion Paper

This Discussion Paper seeks feedback from Victorian Aboriginal Peoples about their Cultural Heritage management.

Author:: Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council
Date:: January 2021

Introduction

Culture is important for Aboriginal Peoples. Traditional Owners are the custodians of their heritage, the land, the waterways and the People.

Aim of this Discussion Paper

This Discussion Paper seeks feedback from Victorian Aboriginal Peoples about their Cultural Heritage management.

The past shapes our future: the historical context

The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) (AHA) came into effect in 2007 to replace the ‘relics’ model of protection.

Where are we now? Current threats to Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

There remain significant threats to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in Victoria.

Culture is living: Importance of Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage comprises the intangible and tangible aspects of the whole body of cultural practices, resources and knowledge systems.

How Aboriginal culture is understood by Victorians

Victorian Aboriginal Peoples have a strong understanding of their culture, heritage and spirituality.

Self-determination and Aboriginal control: Management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria

The fundamental principles of self-determination and Aboriginal control and management of cultural heritage are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Land is our future: Caring for Country

Aboriginal Peoples have a deep connection with land and waters with Country, which is central to their spiritual identity.

Waters are our spirit

Aboriginal Peoples in Victoria have a deep connection with waters and waterways.

Plants and animals

Plants and animals are totems for Aboriginal Peoples.

Cultural objects

Victoria’s museums and archives are now home to many objects of enormous cultural significance to Victoria’s Aboriginal Peoples.

Art and performance

Aboriginal Peoples have the right to practice and revitalise their Cultural Traditions, to develop manifestations of their culture including performing arts.

Language

Before the start of colonisation there were around 40 Aboriginal languages spoken in Victoria.

Traditional knowledge

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, traditional knowledge includes ecological knowledge, medicinal knowledge, environmental management knowledge and cultural and spiritual knowledge.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register - intangible heritage

The 2016 amendments to the AHA recognised Aboriginal intangible heritage, introduced a system for recording intangible heritage on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register.

Respecting those who came before: Ancestral Remains

Since colonisation there has been large scale – public and private – theft of Ancestral Remains and ceremonial objects from Aboriginal burial grounds.

Giving voice to people: Revitalistion of cultural heritage practices

Aboriginal People hold distinct Cultural Rights and must not be denied the right to enjoy their identity and culture.

Where to now? Improving the state of Victoria's Aboriginal cultural heritage

Aboriginal cultural heritage must be recognised as an invaluable asset.

Continuing the discussion

We would like to hear from Victoria’s Aboriginal peoples and those working with them about the state of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.

Glossary and footnotes

Taking Care of Culture Discussion Paper glossary and footnotes.

Appendices

Taking Care of Culture Discussion Paper appendices.

Reviewed 04 January 2021

Taking Care of Culture Discussion Paper 2021
pdf 4.15 MB
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Taking Care of Culture Discussion Paper

Introduction
Aim of this Discussion Paper
The past shapes our future: the historical context
Where are we now? Current threats to Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Culture is living: Importance of Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
How Aboriginal culture is understood by Victorians
Self-determination and Aboriginal control: Management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria
Land is our future: Caring for Country
Waters are our spirit
Plants and animals
Cultural objects
Art and performance
Language
Traditional knowledge
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register - intangible heritage
Respecting those who came before: Ancestral Remains
Giving voice to people: Revitalistion of cultural heritage practices
Where to now? Improving the state of Victoria's Aboriginal cultural heritage
Continuing the discussion
Glossary and footnotes
Appendices

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