18 First Nations students in Victoria have become the most recent graduates of a unique course providing skills and qualifications in cultural heritage management and protection.
The Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management, offered by the La Trobe University and delivered in partnership with the Victorian Aborignal community, is a nationally recognised course and the first and only one of its kind in Australia.
The year-long tertiary course promotes self-determination by putting Indigenous people at the forefront of decision-making regarding the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Delivered by Traditional Owners, cultural heritage industry professionals and university academics, the course provides students with on-Country, classroom and skills-based learning by combining formal, traditional and industry knowledge with hands-on experience in a culturally appropriate way.
La Trobe University Chancellor John Brumby AO said the skills, knowledge and understanding gained by this year's graduates will assist in the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the future.
"Your skills will undoubtedly help to preserve Aboriginal culture, which is so important to Australia," Chancellor Brumby said.
The 18 graduates join an additional 208 Traditional Owners who have graduated from the course since it was first offered in 2009.
The course provides a clear pathway to enter positions in cultural heritage management, with almost 90 per cent of graduates going on to take up roles across a variety of organisations including registered Aboriginal parties and government agencies.
La Trobe University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Associate Professor Michael Donovan commended the graduates for successfully qualifying in the Aboriginal cultural heritage field.
"I want to express my gratitude to you for taking on this responsibility, gaining a qualification to take these skills into our community, so they can progress in our footsteps as well," Associate Professor Donovan said.
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management course is funded by the Victorian state government.
Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams said supporting the participation of First Nations peoples in Aboriginal cultural heritage management and protection has widespread benefits for the community.
"Self-determination means supporting more Traditional Owners to manage and protect the cultural heritage of the world's oldest continuous living culture, ensuring it is preserved for future generations," Ms WIlliams said.
"When Traditional Owners are empowered to manage and protect cultural heritage, all Victorians benefit."
There are more than 40,000 Aboriginal heritage places registered across Victoria.
