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The
Aboriginal Program operating out of the Museum through Aboriginal
Cultural Advisor, Larry Walsh, was again active, varied and dynamic. There was a consistent demand for talks
by school groups and others for Larry's lively and insightful
talks.
A strong part of the work was responding to requests for advice
on cultural matters from many directions including local councils such
as the City of Maribyrnong and the City of Moonee Valley. Requests came
almost daily. This era of reconciliation puts a great deal of pressure
on the Aboriginal Cultural Advisor as people from all walks of life and
organisations look for guidance and advice on what they can do to support
the process.
Parks Victoria supported the Program this year through
the provision of a house as part of an 'artist in
residence' program in parks. The role of 'Storyteller' was
considered an Aboriginal art form from the point of view
of the artist program and Larry told many stories to many
people including children around the fire at a number of
events at the park.
The Aboriginal Program has always had a priority to put things
in place to empower Aboriginal people through understanding and ownership
of their Aboriginal heritage. Training and jobs through projects
have long been a feature of the Program. In
2001, through a grassland restoration project and Community
Jobs Program, funded by the Department of Employment, Education and Training,
three young men out of a group of ten, became Rangers for Parks Victoria.
Annual
Report 2001 - Homepage
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