Oncountry Learning: Indigenous Oncountry Learning: Indigenous StudiesStudies

1010thth Anniverary, 2013 Anniverary, 2013

Introductory Lecture and Overview of Yorta Yorta culture, history and connections

with Study Region

Yorta Yorta Occupation of Barmah-Yorta Yorta Occupation of Barmah-Millewa Forest WetlandsMillewa Forest Wetlands

Yorta Yorta - Bangerang Yorta Yorta - Bangerang are one and of the same are one and of the same group.group.

B-M is in the heartland of B-M is in the heartland of Yorta Yorta Nation-Yorta Yorta Nation-Ancestral Land & WatersAncestral Land & Waters

Yorta Yorta committed to Yorta Yorta committed to conserving Forest conserving Forest Welands-is the keeping Welands-is the keeping place of their cultural place of their cultural heritage.heritage.

Joint Management under Joint Management under handback/leaseback of handback/leaseback of Barmah-Millewa will Barmah-Millewa will ensure continuity of ensure continuity of natural & cultural values.natural & cultural values.

Key Factors to understanding Key Factors to understanding Indigenous Culture & Land RelationsIndigenous Culture & Land Relations

1.1. Aboriginal culture in its proper time Aboriginal culture in its proper time perspective-past & present as one.perspective-past & present as one.

2.2. The concept of change adaption & The concept of change adaption & continuity- an evolving process continuity- an evolving process familiar to all cultural groupsfamiliar to all cultural groups

3.3. The existence of an ongoing-living The existence of an ongoing-living culture that has survived & continues culture that has survived & continues to maintain its identity & connections to maintain its identity & connections with the ancestral lands with the ancestral lands

BM: Habitat for Diversity of BM: Habitat for Diversity of SpeciesSpecies

Forest-wetlands contain a diverse range Forest-wetlands contain a diverse range of vegetation communities & wildlife of vegetation communities & wildlife species and is an Australian icon site.species and is an Australian icon site.

A habitat for the majority of threatened A habitat for the majority of threatened species in northern Victoria & southern species in northern Victoria & southern New South Wales.New South Wales.

Forest-wetlands assist in alleviating Forest-wetlands assist in alleviating pressure on flooding downstream.pressure on flooding downstream.

Use by many people for cultural, nature-Use by many people for cultural, nature-based, & recreational activities.based, & recreational activities.

Ramsar Convention & China, Japan Ramsar Convention & China, Japan Migratory Bird Agreement Migratory Bird Agreement (Ramsar comes under UNESCO which is (Ramsar comes under UNESCO which is

a specialised agency of the UN Systema specialised agency of the UN System

Barmah Moira Barmah Moira Lakes, protected Lakes, protected under Ramsar under Ramsar Convention Convention (The signing of (The signing of the Convention took place in 1971 in the the Convention took place in 1971 in the small Iranian town of Ramsar (since small Iranian town of Ramsar (since then, it has taken the common name of then, it has taken the common name of the Ramsar Convention). the Ramsar Convention).

China & Japan China & Japan Migratory Birds Migratory Birds Agreement: Agreement: (CAMBA,1986 & (CAMBA,1986 & JAMBA,1974,) JAMBA,1974,) Agreement on Agreement on international cooperation for the international cooperation for the conservation of migratory species conservation of migratory species & for the protection of specific & for the protection of specific habitats. Great Egret & White-habitats. Great Egret & White-bellied Sea-eagle (two birds BM bellied Sea-eagle (two birds BM listed).listed).

Other birds are Rainbow Bee-eater, Other birds are Rainbow Bee-eater, Cattle Egret, Greenshank, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Greenshank, Glossy Ibis, White-throated Needletail, Sharp-tailed White-throated Needletail, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Latham's Snipe, Red-necked Sandpiper, Latham's Snipe, Red-necked Stint, Fork-tailed Swift and Caspian Stint, Fork-tailed Swift and Caspian Tern (DCE 1992).Tern (DCE 1992).

Great Egret

White Breasted Sea Eagle

Japan, 2008

Yorta Yorta OccupationYorta Yorta Occupation

Timeline & Evidence of Timeline & Evidence of prior occupationprior occupation

Timeline & Indigenous Timeline & Indigenous SurvivalSurvival

Last two centuries (non-Last two centuries (non-Indigenous occupation) dominates Indigenous occupation) dominates the timeline & the intensity of the timeline & the intensity of change that has taken place.change that has taken place.

Adaption cultural continuity & Adaption cultural continuity & survival is outcome that needs to survival is outcome that needs to be recognised.be recognised.

Cultural Heritage: A Living Cultural Heritage: A Living HeritageHeritage

Mural of Biami Rainbow Serpent, Dharnya Centre

Stratigraphy(timeline) of Occupation Stratigraphy(timeline) of Occupation SitesSites

Mounds & MiddensMounds & Middens

Timeline of Occupation

Oldest

Recent

Cultural Heritage Values: Scarred Trees

Mound Sites: Barmah State ParkMound Sites: Barmah State Park

Mound Mound

Lagoon& Natural Food Storage System, Barmah Forest

Traditional Fish Trap SystemTraditional Fish Trap System

Fish Trap System Midden

Yorta Yorta Site ProtectionYorta Yorta Site Protection

Traditional Stone Tool Working Site

Yorta Yorta Sites Recorded at Yorta Yorta Sites Recorded at 1999 1999

( From: Management Plan for Yorta Yorta ( From: Management Plan for Yorta Yorta Heritage, Yorta Yorta Nations Inc,1999:38-40Heritage, Yorta Yorta Nations Inc,1999:38-40))

Table 6. Summary of Recorded Sites in the Yorta Yorta Lands _____________________________________________________

New South Wales Victoria Total Site Type Count Count Count ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scarred Tree 118 881 999 Mound 141 212 353 Open Scatter 14 79 93 Middens 19 17 36 Burial 20 24 44 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals 312 1213 1525 _____________________________________________________

CULTURAL CULTURAL CONTINUITYCONTINUITYTHROUGH THROUGH

Community, Art, Community, Art, Music, Theatre, Dance Music, Theatre, Dance

& Sport& Sport

Maloga: 1874-88

Cummeragunja: 1889-Present Aboriginal Leaders 1930s

Lynch Cooper World Champion, 1930s

Cummera & Maloga Cummera & Maloga HeritageHeritage

Sir Doug Nichols

Cultural Continuity in the Cultural Continuity in the Yorta Yorta wayYorta Yorta way

Lin Onus, Jimmy’s BillabongBarmah Lake, Yorta Yorta country

Wally & Sony Cooper: Yorta Yorta Dance Group

Lou Bennet & TiddasJimmy Little

Yanagai Yanagai Play, 2006Andrea James

Yorta Yorta artist Lin Onus (1948 - 1996) spent much of his life bridging the gap between urban and traditional, art forms. He had a deep social conscience & his work has inspired a new generation of young Indigenous artists from south-eastern Australia.

Debra CheetamPecan Summer Opera

The Cummera Walk Off, The Cummera Walk Off, 19391939

In 1939, the first-ever mass strike of Aboriginal people in this In 1939, the first-ever mass strike of Aboriginal people in this country occurred – the country occurred – the Cummeragunja Walk-offCummeragunja Walk-off. Over 200 . Over 200 residents packed-up and left Cummeragunja in protest of the residents packed-up and left Cummeragunja in protest of the conditions and the oppressive management. They crossed the conditions and the oppressive management. They crossed the border from New South Wales into Victoria in contravention of the border from New South Wales into Victoria in contravention of the rules of the New South Wales Protection Board. rules of the New South Wales Protection Board.

This protest showed the strength and organisational skills of This protest showed the strength and organisational skills of Aboriginal people and their supporters. Many rallied behind the Aboriginal people and their supporters. Many rallied behind the Walk-off, collecting food and provisions and transporting them up Walk-off, collecting food and provisions and transporting them up to the Murray River to the protestors. to the Murray River to the protestors.

Officials were frustrated by these Aboriginal rebellions and were Officials were frustrated by these Aboriginal rebellions and were embarrassed when the media began carrying stories about embarrassed when the media began carrying stories about conditions Aboriginal people were living under. The conditions Aboriginal people were living under. The Cummeragunja Walk-offCummeragunja Walk-off in particular brought changes to in particular brought changes to Aborigines Act of New South Wales in 1942. Aborigines Act of New South Wales in 1942.

http://www.abc.net.au/missionvoices/cummeragunja/default.htmhttp://www.abc.net.au/missionvoices/cummeragunja/default.htm

http://waynera.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/cummerwalkoff11.pdfhttp://waynera.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/cummerwalkoff11.pdf

Pecin Summer Opera on Cummera Walk Off, Shepparton,2010

Day of Mourning Protest, 1938 Day of Mourning Protest, 1938 led to The Cummera Walk-Off, led to The Cummera Walk-Off,

19391939

From Cummera to the Flat, From Cummera to the Flat, Mooroopna, 1939-1957Mooroopna, 1939-1957

Rumbalara Aboriginal CoopRumbalara Aboriginal Coop

Major service delivery organisation in Major service delivery organisation in Region that began in the 1970s Region that began in the 1970s under the Whitlam Governments Self under the Whitlam Governments Self Determination policy. Determination policy.

Employs over 100 people and runs Employs over 100 people and runs diversity of programs in health, diversity of programs in health, housing, family care, and justice, housing, family care, and justice, aimed a ‘closing the gap’.aimed a ‘closing the gap’.

Cultural Continuity through Sport, Cultural Continuity through Sport,

Health & EducationHealth & Education

Rumbalara Football & Netball Club, SheppartonAcademy of Sport Health & Education, Shepparton, 2005(University of Melbourne)

Oncountry Learning: Indigenous Studies visit to RFNC Uni of Melb,2005.

CummeraFootyTeam,1927

ACHIEVING JUSTICE VIA ACHIEVING JUSTICE VIA THE POLITICO - THE POLITICO -

LEGAL PROCESS?LEGAL PROCESS?

THE YORTA YORTA THE YORTA YORTA STRUGGLESTRUGGLE

Yorta Yorta v State of Yorta Yorta v State of Victoria & Ors, Trial (1996-Victoria & Ors, Trial (1996-

1998)1998)

Barriers to achieving land justice under Anglo Barriers to achieving land justice under Anglo legal system & way Mabo principles are being legal system & way Mabo principles are being applied by the Courts, perverted the course of applied by the Courts, perverted the course of justice in the Yorta Yorta case.justice in the Yorta Yorta case.

Back to ‘Base Camp Politics’ Back to ‘Base Camp Politics’ - YY Agreement & BM - YY Agreement & BM Campaign.Campaign.

Olney’s Test for Yorta Yorta Native TitleOlney’s Test for Yorta Yorta Native Title

Indigenous Land Indigenous Land ManagementManagement

A Holistic view of the relationship between A Holistic view of the relationship between Land and Natural Resource Management.Land and Natural Resource Management.

‘‘Break Here’Break Here’

Holistic View of Land Management & Holistic View of Land Management & CareCare

Indigenous wisdom throughout the world Indigenous wisdom throughout the world shares a common belief system that ‘all shares a common belief system that ‘all things are related’. What happens in one things are related’. What happens in one area sooner or later directly or indirectly area sooner or later directly or indirectly impacts on other areas. The history of impacts on other areas. The history of imported land uses vindicates this view imported land uses vindicates this view

‘‘Yorta Yorta have a long tradition of caring Yorta Yorta have a long tradition of caring for forest. They ‘see the forest & all of its for forest. They ‘see the forest & all of its encompassing features (including all living encompassing features (including all living entities) from a holistic viewpoint’. entities) from a holistic viewpoint’. (Yorta Yorta Nations Inc, 1990).(Yorta Yorta Nations Inc, 1990).

Rivers-Lakes & Yorta Yorta-River Rivers-Lakes & Yorta Yorta-River PeoplePeople

The rivers, lakes & their surrounds were The rivers, lakes & their surrounds were very productive environments- often very productive environments- often equated with ‘equated with ‘Smorgas Board theory’Smorgas Board theory’--variety, abundance & continuity of foods - variety, abundance & continuity of foods - fish, water birds, eggs, tortoises, shellfish, fish, water birds, eggs, tortoises, shellfish, crayfish, possum, kangaroo & a wide range crayfish, possum, kangaroo & a wide range of plant foods.of plant foods.

Relationship between land & water in Relationship between land & water in Indigenous philosophy is highlighted in Indigenous philosophy is highlighted in Yorta Yorta occupation which is largely Yorta Yorta occupation which is largely water based.water based.

Impacts on Ancestral land & Impacts on Ancestral land & waterswaters

The Yorta Yorta have identified a number of issues The Yorta Yorta have identified a number of issues that pose threats to the preservation of their that pose threats to the preservation of their ancestral land & waters. These range from:ancestral land & waters. These range from:

impacts associated with the destruction and impacts associated with the destruction and degradation of natural and cultural values by degradation of natural and cultural values by domestic stock grazing, logging and other hard use domestic stock grazing, logging and other hard use activities.activities.

impact of changes in traditional water regimesimpact of changes in traditional water regimes

In general terms these have all had a detrimental In general terms these have all had a detrimental effect on the preservation and enjoyment of the effect on the preservation and enjoyment of the land, water and its natural and cultural resources land, water and its natural and cultural resources (The Management Plan for Yorta Yorta Cultural Environmental Heritage Project, 2003). (The Management Plan for Yorta Yorta Cultural Environmental Heritage Project, 2003). http://webraft.its.unimelb.edu.au/166230/pub/NatEstate1999.pdfhttp://webraft.its.unimelb.edu.au/166230/pub/NatEstate1999.pdf

Campaign for National Park & Campaign for National Park & Joint ManagementJoint Management

Joint as to Sole ManagementJoint as to Sole Management

Joint Management is a recently imported western construct Joint Management is a recently imported western construct that is used to ensure that when land is returned to that is used to ensure that when land is returned to Traditional Owners, it is conditional upon the land being Traditional Owners, it is conditional upon the land being leased back to the Government to manage jointly with the leased back to the Government to manage jointly with the Traditional Owners. Traditional Owners.

Cooperative or Co -Management is a similar concept but Cooperative or Co -Management is a similar concept but the major difference between the two, is that the the major difference between the two, is that the ownership of land stays with the Crown whereas Joint ownership of land stays with the Crown whereas Joint Management returns the land to the Traditional Owners Management returns the land to the Traditional Owners under a Hand back/Lease back arrangement (VEAC, 2008: under a Hand back/Lease back arrangement (VEAC, 2008: 106).106).

Joint Management is therefore a compromise position, Joint Management is therefore a compromise position, between Indigenous and non Indigenous land interests , to between Indigenous and non Indigenous land interests , to that of that of ‘Sole Management’‘Sole Management’ which has been practiced by which has been practiced by Indigenous Australians for the majority of our land Indigenous Australians for the majority of our land management history. management history.

Key Factors that bought about Key Factors that bought about a more Inclusive approach by a more Inclusive approach by

VEACVEAC More support groups involved in campaign to save River Reds More support groups involved in campaign to save River Reds

in support of Indigenous aspirations (holistic-inclusive & more in support of Indigenous aspirations (holistic-inclusive & more coordinated approach).coordinated approach).

Reconciliation process has played an important part in Reconciliation process has played an important part in reconciling Indigenous and non-Indigenous interests reconciling Indigenous and non-Indigenous interests particularly on campaign side of things. Indigenous art, music, particularly on campaign side of things. Indigenous art, music, sport contributed to a greater awareness on Indigenous sport contributed to a greater awareness on Indigenous aspirations. aspirations.

Commitment by Brumby Government to Indigenous social Commitment by Brumby Government to Indigenous social justice and for National Parks along the Murray ?justice and for National Parks along the Murray ?

More efficient information systems (IT) has allowed campaign More efficient information systems (IT) has allowed campaign to disseminate information wider and quicker.to disseminate information wider and quicker.

Public Awareness and media representations- will come back Public Awareness and media representations- will come back to this at end-Oncountry Education played important roleto this at end-Oncountry Education played important role

Acknowledgement of organisations, supporters, friends, and Acknowledgement of organisations, supporters, friends, and front liners in campaign for magnificent work-well done folks. front liners in campaign for magnificent work-well done folks.

Dharnya Centre Withers, 1985-Dharnya Centre Withers, 1985-20122012

Closed because of structural damage caused by whiteants and Government neglect, May, 2007-see VideoOnline at, 166392.

See Research Paper on Cultural Tourism & the Yorta Yorta in 166392 readings online LMS

McPherson Media: Newspapers in Study McPherson Media: Newspapers in Study AreaArea

11. . Shepparton News-Shepparton*Shepparton News-Shepparton*

2. Country News- Shepparton. 2. Country News- Shepparton. Links with major vested interest groups Links with major vested interest groups including Victorian Farmers Federation; Dept Primary Industry; Rural Industries including Victorian Farmers Federation; Dept Primary Industry; Rural Industries Research& Dev Coop; Australian Dairying Corporation; Grains Research & Dev Coop; Research& Dev Coop; Australian Dairying Corporation; Grains Research & Dev Coop; Land & Water Authorities.Land & Water Authorities.

3. Benalla Ensign-Benalla3. Benalla Ensign-Benalla

4. Cobram Courier-Cobram4. Cobram Courier-Cobram

5. Deni Pastoral Times- Deniliquin (NSW)5. Deni Pastoral Times- Deniliquin (NSW)

6. Southern Riverina News-Finley (NSW)6. Southern Riverina News-Finley (NSW)

7. Kyabram Free Press-Kyabram7. Kyabram Free Press-Kyabram

8. Riverine Herald-Echuca*8. Riverine Herald-Echuca*

9. Campaspe News-Rochester9. Campaspe News-Rochester

10.Seymour Telegraph-Seymour.10.Seymour Telegraph-Seymour.

* Location* Location of papers that reported on YYNTC of papers that reported on YYNTC

Region of McPherson Region of McPherson MediaMedia

Yorta Yorta Territory & insert of McPherson Media distribution

Traditional Yorta Yorta Lands & Traditional Yorta Yorta Lands & Control of Media RepresentationsControl of Media Representations

Apology-Wed, February 13 Apology-Wed, February 13 20082008

Ten years after the “Bringing Them Home Report”, the Federal Ten years after the “Bringing Them Home Report”, the Federal Government made a formal apology to the Stolen Generations Government made a formal apology to the Stolen Generations on Wednesday, 13th February 2008, committing itself to on Wednesday, 13th February 2008, committing itself to ‘‘Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage’.Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage’.

SSince the delivery of the apology, the ‘ince the delivery of the apology, the ‘Indigenous Indigenous Disadvantage Report’Disadvantage Report’ of Reconciliation Australia, 2009, and of Reconciliation Australia, 2009, and the the Productivity Commission ReportProductivity Commission Report, 2010, found that across , 2010, found that across virtually all indicators there are still wide gaps between virtually all indicators there are still wide gaps between Indigenous and other Australians’ and Indigenous and other Australians’ and in in almost all cases ‘the almost all cases ‘the gaps’ have in fact increased as mainstream economic gaps’ have in fact increased as mainstream economic prosperity has accelerated away from that of Aboriginal prosperity has accelerated away from that of Aboriginal AustraliaAustralia’(Productivity Commission (2009) Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key ’(Productivity Commission (2009) Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2009. Canberra Productivity Commission). Indicators 2009. Canberra Productivity Commission).

FIVE years down the track (2013) students can assess how far FIVE years down the track (2013) students can assess how far we've come and whether the gap has been closed, is the same, we've come and whether the gap has been closed, is the same, or is getting wider? or is getting wider?

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23202622-5001021,00.html0,22049,23202622-5001021,00.html

Key IssuesKey Issues Adapting management practices to Adapting management practices to

Indigenous philosophy of land and water Indigenous philosophy of land and water management without compromising track management without compromising track record of land managementrecord of land management

Tapping into the tourism economy to Tapping into the tourism economy to generate an economic base for local generate an economic base for local communities.communities.

Promoting education and training through Promoting education and training through local resources like Yenbeena and Dharnyalocal resources like Yenbeena and Dharnya

Other issues for group discussionOther issues for group discussion

Key Issues (cont)-Key Issues (cont)- Contribution of Indigenous knowledge to Contribution of Indigenous knowledge to

current land management practices-is it current land management practices-is it being given due recognitionbeing given due recognition

Inclusion of Indigenous people in land Inclusion of Indigenous people in land management and care. Are Indigenous management and care. Are Indigenous people employed in all levels of people employed in all levels of management including senior decision management including senior decision making level?making level?

Joint management structures working Joint management structures working successfully in Australia-Kakadu, Ulluru, successfully in Australia-Kakadu, Ulluru, Boodaree,(Wreck Bay ACT). Boodaree,(Wreck Bay ACT).

PATHWAYS FOR FUTUREPATHWAYS FOR FUTURE

A negotiatedA negotiated settlement settlement between government & other between government & other parties, which recognises the parties, which recognises the Yorta Yorta as the traditional Yorta Yorta as the traditional owners under a owners under a handback/leaseback handback/leaseback arrangement and inalienable arrangement and inalienable freehold title freehold title (see Models of Structures for Joint (see Models of Structures for Joint

Management of NP’s in current BM Campaign research, 2004). Management of NP’s in current BM Campaign research, 2004).

‘‘Keeping it for the Keeping it for the Future’Future’

Old Dhungulla: Keep Her Flowin &Old Dhungulla: Keep Her Flowin &

Keep the River Reds Growin

Maranooka & Thank you for your support for Yorta Yorta struggleLunch at Morning Glory and on Bus at 1pm for Site Visits & Story Lines