Post by Kimberley Land Council

Jaru Traditional Owners Begin Healthy Country Planning 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Excitement is building among Jaru Traditional Owners as work begins on developing a Healthy Country Plan to guide the future of caring for Jaru Country and support the establishment of a new Jaru Ranger Program. For many years, Jaru people have sought opportunities to strengthen their connection to Country through meaningful employment and cultural responsibilities. A ranger program has long been a priority, providing pathways for Jaru people to protect and care for the important places, landscapes, plants, animals and stories on Jaru Country. The Kimberley Land Council recently secured funding through the National Indigenous Australians Agency Indigenous Ranger Program, creating an important opportunity to establish the Jaru Ranger Program and support Jaru people in leading land and cultural management activities on Country. To help guide this work, Traditional Owners are developing a Jaru Healthy Country Plan. The plan will identify priorities and aspirations for Country and provide a framework for both the immediate and long-term activities of the emerging ranger program. As a first step, Jaru PBC Directors, Traditional Owners and project staff came together for an inception and pre-planning workshop in Halls Creek earlier this month. This important stage of the Healthy Country Planning process allows Traditional Owners to shape how the planning process will be undertaken, ensuring it reflects local priorities, values and aspirations. Jaru Traditional Owners are eager to plan an on Country trip. Participants at the workshop were enthusiastic for the next stage of the planning process, which will involve a series of on-Country workshops where families, Elders and community members can share knowledge, identify priorities and contribute directly to the Healthy Country Plan. ✊🏾 These on-Country gatherings will play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening cultural connections and creating a shared vision for a healthy future on Jaru Country. With strong community support and growing momentum, the Jaru Healthy Country Plan and Ranger Program represent an exciting step towards empowering Jaru people to care for Country, strengthen culture and create lasting opportunities for future generations