Living cultures celebrates traditional custodians and the continuing culture and heritage of Aboriginal people across NSW.Central to the artwork traditional people symbolism flowing across the imagery, places emphasis on the over arching cultural value of Eldership and the passing down of knowledge over infinite generations, highlighting our living culture, respect for cultural knowledge and walking in the footprints of our ancestors, as we go forward in an alive, active and evolving culture.The artwork layers represent inclusion of all Aboriginal people, celebrating our shared cultural values, alongside the unique diversity of tribal groups and the history, identity and strong culture ties that we pass to future generations.Three gathering circles within the artwork hold a threefold meaning:- Highlighting tribal groups, culture and heritage across NSW;- Reflective of the Aboriginal culture and heritage unit, teamwork and shared vision for the continuity of invaluable cultural knowledge and- Bring an invitation to all to lean in, as we share cultural values of protection, reserving heritage and management of our places with a focus on generational legacy.Pathways flowing across the design invites us to looks back to those who have gone before and the strong cultural legacy they pass to us. To reflect on our role in the present day and the continuing custodianship of cultural knowledge and heritage that we contribute to and pass onto our young, who will carry the baton into the future.A backdrop of songlines on country is reflective of our connections to each other and country within the diverse and abundant landscapes we today share custodianship of, from the coastal shores, wetlands and waterways to the valleys, plains, mountain ranges and desert areas. The colour palette and songlines endeavour to humbly capture the beauty and majesty of country , from dusk to dawn, where Aboriginal people live in harmony with a continuing cultural that is embraced and valued by all.Artwork by Saretta Fielding
Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement
Aboriginal Affairs NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and the places in which we live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise the unique cultural and spiritual relationship and celebrate the contributions of First Nations peoples to Australia.
Aboriginal cultural protection in NSW
Aboriginal culture in NSW is strong even though it has faced a history of rejection. Aboriginal people are the continuing custodians of their heritage.
Communities celebrate culture through storytelling, language and connection to country. This includes deep relationships to cultural land, practices, and materials. Aboriginal people have been calling for change for years to protect their culture.
Aboriginal Affairs NSW helps with programs and laws aimed at making these changes. It is important to ensure that the new system meets the needs of Aboriginal people. We can do this through listening to community.
Communities each have different and unique challenges in maintaining cultural heritage. We recognise how communities already protect and share their culture.
Artwork by Saretta Fielding
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What are the ACH reforms?
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage reform process is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with Aboriginal communities. It will give better understanding of how to protect and celebrate Aboriginal culture.
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Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Information System
The ACH Information System will be a digital solution that enables the Aboriginal community to manage their information on Country
Planning & cultural heritage
The Government has recognised that current Aboriginal cultural heritage policies need improvement. A major reform process is underway. Aboriginal people will play an important role in the management of their cultural heritage and in the planning of their land.
It is important that Aboriginal cultural heritage is considered throughout planning and developments. The planning system must also recognise the economic potential of land owned by the Aboriginal community.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 provides that Aboriginal Land Councils’ can:
- protect the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons in NSW, subject to any other law
- promote awareness in the community of the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons in NSW.
Hunting, fishing, and gathering permits
Access to land for Aboriginal people to hunt, fish or gather can be negotiated by Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs). Any agreements must not break any other laws, rules, or regulations.
When agreements cannot be negotiated, access permits may be issued by the Land and Environment Court. The process to get a permit from the court is set out in section 48 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.
These images are for exclusive use by Aboriginal Affairs NSW. Please contact us for usage requests.
Treaty
The NSW Government is consulting with Aboriginal communities over 12 months on desire for Treaty. This is led by three independent Treaty Commissioners.
The Commissioners will be co-designing and conducting an approach for community consultation. This will see whether NSW Aboriginal communities want a Treaty or agreement-making process. It will also help decide what that will look like.
Commissioners will be appointed for two-years and will provide reports directly to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty. They are supported by a discrete secretariat based in Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
More information
Applications for Treaty Commissioners closed on Friday 17 May 2024 and are now being reviewed.
If you have any questions, please email treaty@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au.
Peter Stoop Photography
Latest news from Aboriginal Affairs NSW
Statement from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty on National Close the Gap Day
Contact Aboriginal Affairs
Office address: Level 6, 201 Coward Street, Mascot NSW 2020
Postal address: PO Box 207, Mascot NSW 2020