Aboriginal Partnerships
Our Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Nations of the lands and waters we live and work upon. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to country and commit to working with the First Nations People of the SA Arid Lands as we undertake our business on this shared and sacred country.
Our Statement of Commitment
The Landscape Boards of SA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statement of Commitment is the first step in our journey of improved engagement with the First Nations groups and individuals across our region. It has been developed at a statewide level and has statewide landscape board support. It is here to guide our approach to our work with our partners and to help us achieve our joint aspirations of an improved region using the best available First Nations and scientific knowledge.
It is a way of building trust and beginning our journey together from a position of mutual respect and a willingness to learn and share.
Read the Statement of Commitment.
Discovery of Aboriginal Sites and Objects
The Aboriginal Heritage Act (SA) 1988 (the Act) provides for the preservation and protection of Aboriginal sites of significance within South Australia.
Owners or occupiers of a parcel of land, and agents of these (including staff, contractors and subcontractors), have responsibilities under the Act when Aboriginal sites, objects or remains are discovered.
Aboriginal sites, objects or remains must be left completely undisturbed and work must STOP immediately unless a section 23 authorisation from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation has been obtained.
Aboriginal Engagement Network
Working with traditional owners in managing the land is key to the work of the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board.
As part of the board's Statement of Commitment to better partner with Aboriginal groups in caring for country, an Aboriginal Engagement Network has been formed. It includes representatives from local Traditional Owner groups, ranger programs, the board's seven Landscape Groups and local organisations.
The group meets twice yearly to share knowledge and learn from one another, as well as to consider future opportunities.
An inaugural SA Arid Lands Indigenous Ranger Gathering was held over two days in September. It came about from discussions at the Aboriginal Engagement Network meetings. You can read about the gathering in the October 2023 edition of Across the Outback.
If you are interested in being involved, contact Cherie Gerlach on 0427 413 345 or cherie.gerlach@sa.gov.au