Traditional Owner Treaties

What support is available for Traditional Owners?

Negotiating a Traditional Owner Treaty will take time and resources.

Negotiating a Traditional Owner Treaty will take time and resources. There are a range of supports available for Traditional Owners to enter and negotiate a Treaty, so that they are on a level playing field with the Victorian Government. 

Self-Determination Fund

The Self-Determination Fund supports Traditional Owners to prepare for and negotiate local Traditional Owner Treaties. The Fund welcomes expressions of interest from Traditional Owners to resource activities such as coming together to form Treaty aspirations or taking the steps needed to enter Treaty negotiations. 

Find out more about the Self-Determination Fund at www.selfdeterminationfund.org.au.

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First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria can support Traditional Owners by attending Treaty negotiations on request and offering advice and support. 

The Assembly is not a party to negotiations for local Traditional Owner Treaties and recognises the authority of Traditional Owners over their own Country, including their traditional lands and waters.

Get in touch with the Assembly for a yarn at https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org/contact-us/.

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Finding common ground process

The Treaty Authority helps parties to find common ground and resolve disagreements related to Treaty-making. For example, grievances may arise about starting negotiations, forming a Treaty Delegation, undertaking negotiations or forming agreements. 

In the spirit of Treaty-making, the Treaty Authority aims to help parties find common ground and resolve disagreements in a safe, inclusive and flexible way that maintains ongoing respectful relationships. 

Find out more about our finding common ground process.

The Treaty Authority acknowledges First Peoples as sovereign peoples throughout the lands and waters now known as Victoria and across Australia. We pay deep respect to all Traditional Owners, their lands, waters and skies, their Elders and ancestors, languages, family and clan groups, and their Lore, Law, customs, traditions and spiritual connections.

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