Barapa Making Steps Towards Climate Change Project
A two-day community activity, led by Barapa land and water, was held at Reedy Lake, near Kerang. The event focused on the impacts of climate change on land and water, and sharing Aboriginal cultural practices.
Children from local schools, their families and other local community members joined with local First Nations’ people who conducted a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, cultural storytelling and traditional basket weaving. Children and community members also participated in planting a native forest garden in an area that was previously overrun with weeds. The forest garden, once established, will be a resource for the whole community to enjoy.
By recognising that First Nations’ people have an over80-thousand-year history of adaptation, the event highlighted the importance of working together to understand and respond to the local impacts of climate change.
Objectives
We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices. We are committed to enabling self-determination for all Aboriginal people and aim to work closely with the Aboriginal community to drive action and improve outcomes especially in the context of a changing climate.