Gunaikurnai people are the Traditional Owners of Gippsland. There are approximately 3,000 Gunaikurnai people, and their territory includes the coastal and inland areas to the southern slopes of the Victorian Alps. Gunaikurnai people are made up of five major clans: Brabralung, Brataulung, Brayakaulung, Krauatungalung and Tatungalung. The Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners’ strong connection with the l
and has been legally recognised in the Recognition and Settlement Agreement of 22 October 2010, which transferred 10 parks and reserves to be jointly managed with the State. The Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board has been set up to oversee the process for drafting the plan for, and establishing joint management. The partners in joint management agreement are the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Corporation with the State represented by Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. These environments including the forest, rivers, beaches, plants and animals are all part of ‘Country’ and the cultural identity of the Gunaikurnai. They are valued for the environment and as a vital part of contemporary Aboriginal culture. Protecting, managing and enjoying the land are an important part of this connection and responsibility. This settlement agreement is a first for Victoria and recognises Gunaikurnai people’s strong connections and understanding of the land and waterways over thousands of years. Joint Management will ensure the Gunaikurnai play a central role in managing these parks in the future. Joint management is a term used to describe a formal partnership arrangement between Traditional Owners and the State where both share their knowledge to manage specific national parks and other protected areas. Joint management will benefit both Gunaikurnai and the wider community through recognising Indigenous culture and knowledge, providing quality tourism experiences, improved public education and by conserving, protecting and enhancing natural and cultural values. This will result in healthier parks and better visitor experiences, and better social, economic and wellbeing outcomes for Gunaikurnai people.
