"We Saw We Could Do It Ourselves": Koorie Cultural Regeneration Project

Abstract

The Koorie Cultural Regeneration Project was the result of a partnership between Women's Health Goulburn North East and Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation. The project was located in Wodonga and aimed to strengthen the community in terms of its Aboriginal identity. A range of activities provided opportunities for elders to share traditional skills and knowledge about Aboriginal culture particularly beliefs, men's business and women's business, dance and bush knowledge. A further dimension of the project was education of the mainstream community through presentations and workshops at schools, childcare centres, workplaces, festivals and universities. Immediate outcomes of the project included clear evidence of the power of experiential learning, a deepening understanding of culture, and the importance of story and connectedness. Eighteen months after the conclusion of the project, members of Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation met with Women's Health Goulburn North East workers to reflect on the long term outcomes of the project. The value of cultural regeneration was affirmed and it was identified that the project raised the profile of the Koorie community in Wodonga and beyond. While the Koorie Cultural Regeneration Project has increased community understanding and pride in Aboriginal heritage and is working well, the lack of continued funding means it is not ongoing. The challenge now is to move forward with cultural regeneration with respect, integrity, care and wisdom.