Feb 16 • 05:44 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Treaty talks continue as two First Nations groups join Victorian negotiations register

Two First Nations groups in Victoria, the Wotjobaluk Nations and Tati Tati, have officially entered the state's Treaty Negotiations Register to pursue individual treaties with the state government.

The Victorian government is progressing towards securing treaties with Indigenous groups, as two First Nations groups have formally joined the Treaty Negotiations Register. The Wotjobaluk Nations, a collective of various Indigenous peoples from western Victoria, and the Tati Tati traditional owner group from north-west Victoria, will now engage in negotiations about individual treaties with the state. This development follows the inclusion of other traditional owner groups, such as the Dja Dja Wurrung and Bidwell-Maap, indicating a growing movement toward treaty discussions in the region.

The Treaty Negotiations Register represents a structured approach to treaty negotiations, providing an official and independent record that lists all Indigenous groups in Victoria looking to establish treaties. By becoming part of this register, the Wotjobaluk Nations and Tati Tati have taken significant steps towards ensuring their rights and recognition within the framework of Australian law. The next phase involves setting up a treaty delegation that will advocate for the interests of these traditional owner groups during the negotiation process.

This initiative underscores the Victorian government's commitment to addressing historical injustices and engaging with First Nations communities. The entry of the Wotjobaluk Nations and Tati Tati into the negotiations emphasizes the importance of self-determination for Indigenous peoples and suggests that more groups may follow suit in seeking to establish treaties that honor their connection to the land and culture. It marks a pivotal moment in the reconciliation process between the state and Indigenous Australians in Victoria.

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