First Nations group marks decade of recognition

 NEXT week will mark ten years since representatives of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, now DJAARA, signed the Recognition and Settlement Act and were recognised as traditional owners of parts of Central Victoria. 

The Corporation was the first Indigenous group in the state to sign an agreement as part of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. 

Last week, leaders of DJAARA introduced what will be a week-long celebration of the milestone, YAPENYA 2023. 

DJAARA chair Trent Nelson said the agreement created opportunities for members of his organisation and partnerships with local governments. 

“It’s about bringing our people back on country,” he said. 

“Over 200-plus years, our people were removed from country and displaced, and for us it’s about bringing our people back on country, and learning their culture, learning their language, but also being proud as who they are as Aboriginal people. 

“That’s what we achieve in all the work that we do, to try and create a better future for our children so that they have opportunities that ourselves and our mothers and fathers and grandparents never had.” 

DJAARA general manager Cassandra Lewis said the group wanted to encourage members of the public to attend the events, participate in the celebrations, and learn more about Dja Dja Wurrung history. 

“I think our people are back on country as they once were, healing country, restoring, using cultural practices, cultural fire to manage land,” she said. 

“When you come here now to Central Victoria, you know who the traditional owners are, and we’re also really proud of the relationships we’ve been able to build with others in Bendigo and do things together, to collaborate, co-design.” 

The YAPENYA 2023 celebrations will kick off with an informal opening ceremony where invited members will reflect on the past 10 years, followed by a gala dinner. 

There’s also an exhibition by Dja Dja Wurrung artists at Dudley House, a twilight market featuring art, jewellery, and other items, as well as food trucks and yabby races, and CBD walking tours.