First Nations Partnerships

The Peramangk, Kaurna, and Ngarrindjeri Nations have cared for the lands and waters of the Hills and Fleurieu for countless generations. Their connection to Yerta/Ruwe (Country) is deeply embedded in culture, identity and knowledge. This relationship includes not only the land and water but also stories, teachings and law.

Today, First Nations people continue to care for Country, working to restore cultural land management practices and strengthen their role in shaping the region’s landscapes. Their knowledge and involvement remain vital to a healthy future.

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu is committed to walking alongside Peramangk, Kaurna, and Ngarrindjeri peoples listening, learning and working together to protect and restore these lands and waters.

Listening to Country and community

On Peramangk, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Country, cultural knowledge continues to guide how landscapes are understood and cared for. Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu works respectfully alongside First Nations peoples, learning from the knowledge they choose to share and recognising their ongoing authority over stories, practices and relationships with Country.

We listen to First Nations voices throughout our planning and project work, creating space for cultural perspectives to shape how decisions are made. Our role is to support this guidance, not speak for or interpret cultural knowledge on behalf of others.

Through walking together on projects, supporting First Nations-led initiatives and inviting cultural input, we help ensure that cultural values and connections remain part of how landscapes are managed. This strengthens outcomes for Country, for community, and for the shared future we are working towards.

Protecting cultural heritage

Evidence of land use by the Kaurna, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri peoples can be found throughout the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. Features such as scar trees, middens, hearths, burial sites and stone arrangements may still be found, especially along the coast, and near watercourses, wetlands, and lakes.

We are committed to recognising, respecting and supporting the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage across the landscape. Our work includes assisting land managers to collaborate with Traditional Owners to identify cultural heritage places, build awareness of cultural values and incorporate culturally informed approaches into land and water management.