Moogji Aboriginal Council’s project, Gundigan, will get their Traditional Owner groups involved in land management. A Monero, Yuin & Ngarigo Elder from Cann River, Aileen Mongta-Blackburn says:
“Gundigan means ‘leaves of trees. The name Gundigan was chosen for this project because you could see the burnt leaves and the new life coming back after the fires.”
Gundigan has prioritised relationship building with government agencies to ensure Traditional Owner groups are more actively involved in land management.
Ninety-three percent of crown land east of the Snowy River is managed by the government, so for Aileen it is important strong relationships are established.
Gundigan is embedding knowledge and practice into more collaborative management of the land, and this retains cultural integrity.
“We’re really keen that at the end of these projects we’re inside managing Country with the agencies and not sitting on the outside of the burnt fence".
To Aileen, it’s clear healing from the fires is not as simple as rebuilding a bridge or looking for regrowth amongst the trees. She continues:
“It’s about healing together."
Aileen says they’re making good progress, but there is still a long way to go. She says it is great to see all parties being able to have a seat at the table and that everyone is being respectful of each other’s needs.
“That’s all we can ask for at this early stage. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re looking forward to getting on with the recovery process, which in our culture is generational.”
Updated