Wotjobaluk Nations and Tati Tati formally enter Victorian Treaty negotiations register
The Wotjobaluk Nations have made progress with Treaty negotiations in the Wimmera. (ABC News: Grace Marshall)
In short:
Two Victorian First Nations groups have formally entered Treaty negotiations with the state government.
The Wotjobaluk Nations and Tati Tati traditional owners have joined the Victorian Treaty Authority's Treaty Negotiations Register.
What's next?
The next step of the process includes the establishment of a treaty delegation to represent the nations.
Two traditional owner groups in regional Victoria have formally entered the state's Treaty Negotiations Register, allowing talks toward individual treaties to continue.
The Wotjobaluk Nations, made up of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples in western Victoria, and the Tati Tati traditional owners in north-west Victoria, joined the Dja Dja Wurrung and Bidwell-Maap Traditional Owner groups on the Treaty Negotiations Register last week.
The Treaty Negotiations Register is the official, independent record that lists all parties authorised to engage in Treaty negotiations.
Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC), which represents the Wotjobaluk Nations, submitted their registration to begin formal negotiations for a Traditional Owner Treaty under Victoria's legal framework.
BGLC chairperson Chris Harrison said the milestone was possible after generations of work from elders.
"This is a proud and deeply significant moment for the Wotjobaluk Nations peoples," Mr Harrison said.
Chris Harrison is a proud Wotjobaluk man from Horsham. (Supplied: Aboriginal Justice Caucus)
"Our mob, with elders and community leaders, began this journey more than 30 years ago, seeking recognition of our enduring connection to Country and our rights as traditional owners."
Traditional Owner Treaties are nation-to-nation treaties, negotiated between a Traditional Owner Treaty Delegation and the State of Victoria. These treaties cover the traditional lands and waters of the delegation.
'Walking forward together'
Mr Harrison said those elders changed the course of history in Victoria.
"From recognition of our native title in 2005 through to our Recognition and Settlement Agreement in 2022, and now looking to Treaty, we are continuing that legacy through building a future grounded in culture, authority and self-determination," he said
The Wotjobaluk Nations were the first traditional owners group in Victoria and south-east Australia to receive a positive native title determination in 2005, later securing a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the Victorian government.
Wotjobaluk Country sprawls across parts of western Victoria. (ABC Wimmera: Andrew Kelso)
Inclusion in the register indicates the necessary minimum standards to begin talks have been met.
The next stage of the process would see the establishment of a treaty delegation to lead discussions on behalf of traditional owners.
Mr Harrison said the negotiations would remain grounded in traditional owners' culture and guided by community values.
"Our Treaty must reflect Wotjobaluk Nations peoples, our values and our aspirations," Mr Harrison said.
"We will walk this journey grounded in culture, guided by our elders, our community and kin, and focused on building a stronger future for current generations and generations to come."
ABC has contacted Tati Tati traditional owners and Treaty Victoria for comment.