Agriculture Victoria is supporting opportunities to embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into agricultural training to recognise First Nations peoples' connection to agriculture.
The garinga djimbayang Grant Program supports partnerships between Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and TAFEs to integrate First Nations' knowledge and practices into the design and delivery of accredited agriculture training.
garinga djimbayang means to grow and learn in Dja Dja Wurrung Language. Funded through the Victorian Government's $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program, garinga djimbayang aims to celebrate and share Aboriginal knowledge and practices with all students pursuing a career in the agriculture industry. It will also increase the cultural safety of First Nations students studying agriculture.
Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Beth Jones said that the Program recognises the value of First Nations traditional knowledge and practices in agriculture.
"Our hope is that the garinga djimbayang program will create strong pathways for First Nations people to pursue a career in the sector."
"Informed by the insights of First Nations people, this program aims to strengthen cultural safety in education and provide the next generation of Victorian farmers with a deeper understanding of sustainable land management and cultural heritage," Ms Jones said.
The successful recipients are:
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and TAFE Gippsland who will work together on the Growing Traditional Foods on Gunaikurnai Country project, to integrate Indigenous cultural knowledge and practices into accredited agriculture training.
South West TAFE, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, with additional support from Worn Gundidj and Winda Mara Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will deliver the South West Victoria's Future Land Guardians Project. It will focus on bringing in elements of Traditional Owner knowledge as part of the Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation Acting CEO, Charee Smith said the project reflects the strength and wisdom of Gunaikurnai knowledge holders.
"By embedding traditional knowledge into accredited training and bush food production, we're creating meaningful pathways for community while ensuring Gunaikurnai cultural practices are recognised, respected and protected," Ms Smith said.
Through these projects, traditional knowledge will be embedded into accredited training to provide students with hands-on skills in traditional land management techniques, growing native plant species, and sustainable farming practices.
