Cultural Partnership
The Traditional Owners were engaged from the early stage of this collaboration and a series of Cultural consultations provided a way for Wurundjeri Elders and Wurundjeri staff to engage in discussions about the Merri Creek and the proposed collaboration occurring on Wurundjeri lands.
Through 2021-2023, Elders Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Julieanne Axford discussed where the collaboration can support the aspirations of the Wurundjeri community through Cultural Practices, Resource Management (Narrap Rangers), and build in language and naming to support Woi-wurrung language. They also stressed the need for all of us to help care for the Merri Creek and for Country.
Following protocol to engage with Traditional Owners to seek permission to use their language words and ensure the cultural integrity of Woi-wurrung language use was a key part of the Cultural consultation.
The name Merri Merri Wayi - meaning Merri Merri (and) Us - is the Woi-wurrung language name granted to the collaboration by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Gail Smith and formally registered with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Council. The language speaks to the heart of this initiative, a collaboration where all of ‘us’ can get involved to create regenerated, safe, thriving and healthy places for communities to connect to each other and to the Merri Creek.
