The Right People for Country program works with Traditional Owners to strengthen capacity, build relationships and incorporate cultural values in the making of agreements about Country and Identity in Victoria.
The newly launched program aims to build agreement reaching capacity and to obtain outcomes that are supported by traditional owners. By doing so, it allows traditional owners to better manage their own land.
Participants in the program get support in terms of training in negotiation skills which allow them to enter into agreements that are beneficial to them.
They also get support to be able to go on the field and to the areas they area claiming and have them mapped adequately.
The training and trips to the field are entirely covered by the Victorian government thanks to a $ 2 000 000 budget allocation for a two year period.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins says, “This program will support Traditional Owners to reach agreements, determine the rightful owners of the land and settle agreements outside of the court system.
The Right People for Country Program has had great success to date and we now have 11 Registered Aboriginal Parties across Victoria.”
Her department is also working with representatives of Victoria’s indigenous people towards a treaty.
“We’re committed to self-determination and ensuring Aboriginal people have a strong voice in managing their cultural heritage,” Minister Hutchins said.
The closing date for Expressions of Interest is 17 November 2017.
More information is available on a dedicated website. Expressions of interest can be registered via this site as well.
