The Eastern Maar are Traditional Owners of south-western Victoria and are a part of the larger Maar Nation. They have a strong connection with Parreeyt (water), as shown in their laws/lore.
“Firstly, Eastern Maar laws/lore requires us to question the how, why and when any new interaction with parreeyt is required and/or the appropriateness of that interaction.
As a higher end foundation of these laws/lore, we know Meerreeng, Parreeyt, Moorrnong, pa Maar (land, water, sky, and people) to be intrinsically co-dependent upon the other to sustain high levels of health and prosperity. This reciprocating co-dependency and co-beneficiary relationship model is akin to that of a family and thought of as so, in the highest order. Together we are each of the same and inseparable. Unable to be compartmentalised and segmented. Any interaction should not be to the detriment of the values we are obliged to consider.”
To understand more how Eastern Maar and other Traditional Owners are participating in the decisions around water management in Victoria, follow the links to the Eastern Maar Parreeyt Nation Statement and Water is Life: Traditional Owner Access to Water Roadmap.
Links (further information)
https://easternmaar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eastern-maar-parreeyt-statement.pdf
https://www.water.vic.gov.au/our-programs/aboriginal-water-program/water-is-life-roadmap
Partnership Organisation
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation