Ms James was joined in Melbourne by her dad, Yorta Yorta Nation Elder Uncle Lance James, at the graduation ceremony on Friday, December 8.
This qualification is the first and only nationally accredited training course of its kind and resulted from a positive partnership between First Peoples – State Relations and La Trobe University.
University Chancellor John Brumby and Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Nick Bisley officiated the ceremony.
Ms James was one of 20 students selected for this course as part of her role as Koorie culture officer at the Winton Wetlands Educational Hub.
Ms James is a liaison point between Winton Wetlands and the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.
The YYNAC was incorporated in 1998 to represent all 16 Yorta Yorta Family Groups, including the Bangerang, Kailtheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Kwat Kwat, Yalaba Yalaba and Nguaria-iiliam-wurrung clans.
The Yorta Yorta Nation covers the majority of Benalla Rural City, including Winton Wetlands.
Four years ago, Ms James moved to Benalla from Shepparton to take on her role at Winton Wetlands.
Since then, she has developed a connection with local organisations, including local government, schools and kindergartens.
She often performs Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies and cultural education programs across the region.
Ms James was also recently appointed as a Yorta Yorta Traditional Owner Land Management Group board member.
Ms James said that as part of her study, she visited many Victorian Aboriginal Heritage sites, which have demonstrated not only the cultural, but also the economic benefits that flow from Aboriginal heritage tourism.
“I now have the skills and knowledge to contribute to the recognition and conservation of cultural heritage places,” she said.
“And I look forward to putting my new knowledge to use for the benefit of our local community and Aboriginal heritage preservation.”
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