43 STRONG & DIVERSE DJANDAK WI ECONOMY Focus 4 aim: we will ensure long-term sustainability and growth of the Djandak Wi program and become the leading wi practitioners on Djandak. For Djaara to be empowered to conduct Djandak Wi at the right time, in the right way, and in the right place according to what Djandak needs, we need long-term financial stability and economic viability into the future. Importantly, we need to build a strong and diverse economy in Djandak Wi that includes contract works outside funding agreements. We invite investors to wurreka (yarn/talk) and ngaldurrong yana (walk together) on Djandak with us to achieve our vision. For much of the Djandak Wi program’s history, the Dja Dja Wurrung Group has relied on a range of fixed term funding grants provided by government partners. This funding plays a vital role in developing and scaling up the program, but does not provide certainty for longer term planning and capacity/capability building to embed and restore Djaara as leaders in Djandak Wi on Djandak. Curious, respectful, and truthful conversations need to be forthcoming and ongoing about fair, practical actions that will fully enable Djaara’s rights as land managers and custodians of Djandak. The task is to enable self-determination. The Yoorrook Justice Commission is investigating systemic abuses and disenfranchisement of Traditional Owners across a range of areas and treaty negotiations in Victoria must inform actions. We will exercise our right to freely pursue Djaara economic and social development, consistent with Schedule 15 Principles of Sustainability Provisions of the Recognition and Settlement Agreement (2013) for the benefit of the Djaara community. Djandak Wi “was a big process for a lot of our uncles and aunties and before them, fought for this, to keep on continuing to make it happen. That’s why it means a lot to me.” “As Traditional Owners, we have a right to manage Country in whatever way we see fit.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1