Elder Dean Stewart of the Boon Wurrung Foundation, performing a Welcome to Country through a traditional smoking ceremony at the opening of the Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve.
‘For thousands of years the Boonwurrung were actively involved in the Greater Kulin Nation and the importance of this land and this spiritual place lies within our history and our culture… The spirit of Bunjil and his gift of generosity has influenced this land for thousands of years and continues to do so today.
According to our tradition, our land has always been protected by our creator Bunjil who travels as an eagle and by Waarn who protects the waterways and travels as a crow.
We encourage everyone to nurture and care for this land as we do – with love and respect, to protect the rivers, the creeks and the waterways as they are the blood of this land and to observe the wisdom of Bunjil.’
As the representative of the traditional custodians of this land, Dean asked, “Are you a guardian of this land?” The Minister, MP, DELWP representative and those in attendance replied “yes”.
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