12 ways landscape boards walk Reconciliation talk

Put simply, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of everyone.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.

Landscape boards are proud to be a voice for reconciliation, every day.

We know that strong relationships with First Nations peoples is the bedrock from which we can learn from and with them to care for Country.

We want to play our part in building communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Here are 12 ways landscape boards have committed to building stronger relationships with Aboriginal people and organisations in South Australia, set out in the Landscape boards of SA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statement of Commitment:

1. Listening to and learning from our Aboriginal partners
2. Actively encouraging Aboriginal peoples’ input and ideas
3. Seeking out opportunities to create employment and economic outcomes for our Aboriginal partners
4. Identifying together the best way to get advice about culturally important matters
5. Developing formal agreements, when desired, about working together
6. Showcasing stories of shared success in land management
7. Creating opportunities for many voices to speak for their nations
8. Commit to cultural learning for board members and staff
9. Create programs and resources that reflect the value of input of Aboriginal people and culture
10. Support the aspirations of Aboriginal people
11. Strive to do better in fostering and protecting relationships
12. Acknowledge Free Prior and Informed Consent principles and protocols and the protection of Aboriginal peoples’ intellectual property rights.

SA Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Workshop 2023

Representatives from the South Australian Aboriginal land and sea management sector recently gathered with the aim of sharing knowledge, aspirations, and common challenges, calling for greater support for community-based aboriginal ranger and caring for Country programs.

Landscape boards participated in and supported the 2-day workshop – building and strengthening relationships with First Nations partners.

Firesticks Women’s Conference

First Nations groups came together from across SA for the inaugural Firesticks Women’s Conference held in the lead-up to International Women’s Day 2023.

The conference was supported by many partners, including Green Adelaide and other landscape boards.

We've come far in collaborative projects, with more opportunities for on-ground works to be led by First Nations People. We still have a long way to go, and the Women's Conference was an important step.

Learning about South Australian history from a First Nations perspective

Landscape boards prioritise cultural awareness training for their staff, and others, so that we can all learn from each other, together.

A recent cultural awareness session, facilitated by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board and delivered by the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, gave participants an understanding of the history of South Australia since 1800, from an Aboriginal perspective.

Groups at the training included staff and board members from Murraylands and Riverland and Limestone Coast landscape boards, Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, Nature Foundation of SA, Goolwa to Wellington LAP, SA Drought Hub, Aquasave/Nature Glenelg Trust, Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine, and local volunteers.

National Reconciliation Week

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week are 27 May to 3 June, the same each year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.

More information

Learn more about the ways landscape boards are Walking alongside First Nations to care for Country, and Aboriginal cultural burning in South Australia.