Greater Shepparton City Council and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) will today sign the MoU endorsed by Council at the September Council Meeting, linking in with NAIDOC Week 2020.
Council's endorsement of the MoU in September was another step in formalising its commitment to supporting increased participation by and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Council planning and decision-making.
Both organisations share the desire to work together to improve the understanding and integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations in the planning and services provided by Council.
By endorsing and signing the MoU, both organisations will continue to strive to support increased community participation, improve employment opportunities and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
A MoU between Council and YYNAC will also increase understanding and recognition throughout the Greater Shepparton community of the region's rich Aboriginal heritage and proud tradition.
The MoU is underpinned by a series of agreed principles and actions:
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are acknowledged as the first people of this land, which is now reflected in the revised Acknowledgement - We, Greater Shepparton City Council, acknowledge the Yorta Yorta Peoples of the land which now comprises Greater Shepparton, we pay our respect to their tribal elders, we celebrate their continuing culture and we acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
• Recognition that the arrival of non-Aboriginal people brought massive change to the landscape and way of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a strong desire exists in Greater Shepparton to acknowledge the past and embrace the process of reconciliation.
• A commitment to working with one another to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's self-determination.
• Ensuring that there is respect, understanding and strong regard held for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, traditions, customs and beliefs
• Improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce participation, health and wellbeing outcomes are paramount in planning and decision-making.
