Registered Aboriginal Party facts for kids

A Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) is a special group of Aboriginal people in Victoria, Australia. These groups are officially recognized. They act as the main protectors of Aboriginal cultural heritage. This means they look after important places, stories, and traditions from their ancestors.

RAPs are similar to "Aboriginal land councils" found in other parts of Australia. They make sure that Aboriginal history and culture are respected and kept safe for future generations.

What Are Registered Aboriginal Parties?

Map showing different Aboriginal nations in Victoria

Aboriginal people can apply to become a Registered Aboriginal Party. The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (VAHC) decides which groups are approved. The VAHC is a council that works to protect Aboriginal heritage.

As of March 2020, there are several recognized RAPs:

• Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
• Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation
• First People of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
• Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
• Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
• Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
• Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation
• Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
• Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation

Protecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

RAPs have important jobs under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Their main role is to manage and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. This includes many things like:

• Checking plans: They look at plans for new buildings or developments. They make sure these projects do not harm important Aboriginal sites or objects. These plans are called Cultural Heritage Management Plans.
• Giving advice: They give advice on permits. These permits are needed for any work that might affect Aboriginal heritage.
• Making agreements: They help create agreements about how cultural heritage will be managed. These are called Cultural Heritage Agreements.
• Protecting sites: They can ask for special protection for very important Aboriginal places. This helps keep these sites safe for a long time.

RAPs are key to making sure that Aboriginal cultural heritage is respected and cared for in Victoria.

Images for kids

• 

  Aboriginal painting in Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia