East Melbourne is part of the Traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples. They have cared for and protected it since time immemorial.
For the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and their Eastern Kulin neighbours, Narrm (Melbourne) has always been an important meeting place for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders have shared that they feel responsible for visitors on their Country and this includes an ongoing role to look out for and respect people, animals and the environment. They have reminded us to slow down amongst the bustle of the city and take the time to learn and appreciate more about our ongoing Aboriginal history and culture. Here you will find some stories, places and links to get you started.
Mapping Aboriginal Melbourne
How well do you know Wurundjeri and Bunurong Country on which we live, work, play and visit? This interactive digital map brings together a range of knowledge including key places of Aboriginal cultural and historical significance.
We invite you to explore the map at your own pace, taking in the stories and images to experience the spiritual, cultural and political connection to Country of the Traditional Owners of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples.
Links
- Learn more about Koorie culture and history at the Koorie Heritage Trust located at Federation Square.
- For information and advice on cultural heritage, practice and services, contact Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
- Find out more about Federation of Traditional Owner Corporations a Victorian organisation that advocates for the rights and interests of Traditional Owners.
- Check out dates marking significant history and culture events here Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diary dates.
- Celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, during National NAIDOC Week on the first week of July every year.
- Catch up on National Reconciliation Week held each year.
- For information and support for Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners visit Kinaway Chamber of Commerce.
- Search for a verified Indigenous business at Supply Nation.
- For information for and about Aboriginal businesses and business owners in Victoria go to Business Victoria: Supporting Aboriginal Businesses and Employment.
- Read City of Melbourne’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-23.
- Find out more about Reconciliation Australia the lead body for Reconciliation in Australia.
- Learn more about our Stolen Generations Marker project which acknowledges, recognises and pays tribute to the Stolen Generations.
- Go to Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation to discover national advocacy projects dedicated specifically to the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Connect with City of Melbourne’s Aboriginal Melbourne | Facebook group.
- If you want to become more familiar with Aboriginal history and living culture, check out this reading list of books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers. You can borrow all the books from our libraries.
- Learn about the First Nations perspectives on Cook's voyages and Cook's Cottage.
- Learn about the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Yarra Park site's Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung history and connection.
- Find out more about truth-telling and the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
- Understanding the Voice to Parliament.
- Learn about the Uluru Statement from the Heart .
- Search Victorian Aboriginal Education Assistance Inc. for education and training resources and scholarship opportunities.
- For learning and development support and services go to Victorian Government Department of Education and Training.
- Discover more about the cultural importance and revitalisation of Aboriginal language at Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages.
- Learn more about Community controlled health and wellbeing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria at Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc.
- For information on the Victorian state government’s Aboriginal Health strategies visit Aboriginal Health.
- For information on the Victorian state government’s Stolen Generations Reparations Package including how to apply go to Stolen Generations Reparations Package.
- For information and legal support on Native Title go to First Nations Legal & Research Services.
