The Trustee for Victorian Traditional Owners Trust - Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

The Trustee for Victorian Traditional Owners Trust, acting on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, is a key entity involved in the management and representation of the Dja Dja Wurrung People's interests. This organization plays a vital role in advancing the rights, cultural preservation, and economic development of the Dja Dja Wurrung community, who are the traditional owners of significant areas in central Victoria.

Background

The Dja Dja Wurrung people have lived in their traditional lands, known as Djandak, for thousands of years. Their territory encompasses the water catchment areas of the Loddon and Avoca rivers in the Bendigo region[3]. The Dja Dja Wurrung are descended from 18 clan groups, each with its own distinct cultural practices and contributions to the broader community[2].

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation is the representative body for the Dja Dja Wurrung People. In 2008, the Corporation achieved Registered Aboriginal Party status, which further strengthened their fight for recognition as the traditional owners of their land[4]. The Corporation's vision includes establishing thriving and sustainable interests across their traditional areas, with benefits for both the indigenous community and the wider society[4].

Recognition and Settlement Agreement

In 2013, the Victorian Government and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation signed a Recognition and Settlement Agreement. This agreement formally recognized the Dja Dja Wurrung People as the traditional owners of their country and acknowledged the historical injustices they faced[5]. It was the first comprehensive settlement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic), resolving four native title claims that dated back to 1998[5]. The agreement led to the establishment of a joint management plan for six Dja Dja Wurrung Parks located within their traditional lands[5].

Role of the Trustee

As trustee, it acts on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, overseeing financial and legal matters related to the management of funds and resources aimed at benefiting the community. This includes ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations, managing investments, and facilitating community development projects that align with the objectives of the Dja Dja Wurrung People.

Community Development and Cultural Preservation

The organization plays a crucial role in promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. Efforts are directed towards preserving natural sites within their traditional lands, which have significant cultural and spiritual importance. These initiatives also focus on economic sustainability and ensuring that community resources are utilized effectively to support social, environmental, and culturalassistant

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The Trustee for Victorian Traditional Owners Trust - Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

Overview

The Trustee for Victorian Traditional Owners Trust, acting on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, is a significant entity dedicated to advancing the rights and interests of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. This group is the traditional owner of substantial areas in central Victoria.

Background

The Dja Dja Wurrung people have lived in their traditional lands, known as Djandak (Country), for thousands of years. Their ancestral territory includes the water catchment areas of the Loddon and Avoca rivers in the Bendigo region[3]. The Dja Dja Wurrung are descended from multiple clan groups, each contributing uniquely to their broader community's cultural richness[2].

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation serves as the representative body for the Dja Dja Wurrung People. In 2008, the Corporation achieved Registered Aboriginal Party status, further empowering their fight for recognition as the traditional owners of their land[4]. The Corporation's vision encompasses establishing thriving and sustainable interests across their traditional areas, benefiting both the indigenous community and the wider society[4].

Recognition and Settlement Agreement

On March 28, 2013, the Victorian Government and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation signed a Recognition and Settlement Agreement. This agreement formally acknowledged the Dja Dja Wurrung People as the traditional owners of their country and recognized the historical injustices they faced[5]. It was the first comprehensive settlement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic), resolving four native title claims dating back to 1998[5]. The agreement led to the establishment of a joint management plan for the six Dja Dja Wurrung Parks located within their traditional lands[5].

Role of the Trustee

As trustee, it acts on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, overseeing financial and legal matters related to the management of funds and resources aimed at benefiting the community. This includes ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations, managing investments, and facilitating community development projects that align with the objectives of the Dja Dja Wurrung People.

Community Development and Cultural Preservation

The organization plays a crucial role in promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of the Dja Dja Wurrung People. Efforts focus on preserving natural sites within their traditional lands, which have significant cultural and spiritual importance. These initiatives also prioritize economic sustainability and ensuring that community resources are utilized effectively to support social, environmental, and cultural programs.

Vision and Objectives

The Trustee, in conjunction with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, works towards creating a thriving and sustainable community. This involves enhancing cultural knowledge and practices, improving environmental conservation outcomes, and fostering economic opportunities that align with the values and goals of the Dja Dja Wurrung People.

Conclusion

The Trustee for Victorian Traditional Owners Trust - Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation plays a vital role in protecting and advancing the interests of the Dja Dja Wurrung community. Its efforts contribute to a broader movement towards reconciliation and recognition of traditional ownership in Australia.

[1] https://hellostoryland.com/portfolio/dja-dja-wurrung/ [2] https://djadjawurrung.com.au/giyakiki-our-story/ [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djadjawurrung [4] https://deadlystory.com/page/service-directory/Land_Councils/Dja_Dja_Wurrung_Clans_Aboriginal_Corporation [5] http://www.dhelkunyadja.org.au/appointed-lands/history