First Nations Cultural Heritage
Celebrating the culture and heritage of First Nations
The forests of East Gippsland are living cultural landscapes, deeply interwoven with the knowledge, traditions, and stories of the First Nations peoples. These ancient forests, stretching from the Alpine region to the Coastal Wilderness, are the Country of the Bidawal, Monero, Gunaikurnai, Yuin, Yatmathung, and other Traditional Owners, whose care for these lands has spanned tens of thousands of years.
Honouring and Learning Together
We can all deepen our connection to this unique region by engaging with the rich cultural heritage of its First Nations. From guided cultural experiences to learning about traditional practices, these opportunities foster respect and understanding.
Together, we can celebrate and integrate this knowledge, building a shared future where First Nations culture is not only respected but forms the foundation of our collective identity.
We acknowledge that these lands always were and always will be Aboriginal land. Restoring these forests and addressing climate change requires that we walk alongside Traditional Owners, learning from their leadership, and embracing their culture as a shared path forward.
Tracey shares culture with children at the Buchan Bush Kinder.
Caring for Country
For First Nations, caring for Country is not simply about environmental stewardship—it is a cultural, spiritual, and community practice. Every tree, river, and animal is part of an interconnected story that sustains life. Despite the impact of colonisation, traditional ecological knowledge, passed down through countless generations, continues to guide practices to protect the biodiversity of these precious forests.
Through Emerald Link, we aim to work alongside First Nations to create opportunities to promote cultural heritage and land management initiatives, that ensure First Nations shape the future of these forests.