Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Guide Adopted
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An Aboriginal Cultural Awareness and Engagement Guide, developed to assist Councillors, staff and volunteers to provide a consistent and respectful approach to engaging with the Aboriginal community, has been adopted by Council.
“It’s vital in an inclusive community that we learn as much as we can about each other’s cultures so that we can better understand the different ways we view the world,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “I believe and hope that this new Guide will help us do exactly that.”
‘Yandaarra – Shifting Camp Together’ advocates a collaborative approach towards the protection of Aboriginal culture in the local government area and helps provide social and cultural understanding by acknowledging and celebrating Aboriginal perspectives and world views.
It was on display for public comment during June and July 2019.
It was developed by Murawin Consulting, Gumbaynggirr consultants Carol Vale and Matthew Hammond. Consultations were undertaken by Murawin with local Aboriginal Elders, community members and Aboriginal organisations, the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee and Council staff.
The Guide outlines useful information that will be used in future when consulting and working with local Aboriginal communities including:
The Gumbaynggirr nation and Aboriginal identity. Significant ceremonies, dates and events. Cultural practices and considerations (including Welcome to Country and Acknowledgements). Community engagement protocols.