Self-Determination Reform Strategy

Pupangarli Marnmarnepu ‘Owning Our Future’ (Wadi Wadi and Mutti Mutti language) embodies what it means for Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians to be self-determining. We are aiming towards a future where the concept of Pupangarli Marnmarnepu is embedded, so that Victoria’s First Peoples are in control of their own future.

We acknowledge that self-determination is the right of First Peoples, and that they are best placed to determine their own priorities, aspirations and futures. DEECA recognises our responsibility to partner with Traditional Owners and First Peoples across the state to support and advance their self-determination.

Advancing self-determination underpins better outcomes for Country by supporting healthier land and waters on which we all live and rely. It strengthens relationships and communities and supports greater recognition of Traditional Owners’ knowledge and leadership, benefiting all Victorians.

Cover artwork

DEECA honours and pays its deepest respect to Tom Day III, a proud Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba man.

DEECA’s Aboriginal Cultural Identity, Mirring (Country) is one of Tom’s many incredible legacies. DEECA is both privileged and honoured to have collaborated with Tom to co-design Mirring, and his impact across our department will not be forgotten.

Read the strategy

Pupangarli Marnmarnepu 'Owning Our Future’ First Peoples Self-Determination Reform Strategy 2026-2031 (PDF, 13.1 MB)

Pupangarli Marnmarnepu 'Owning Our Future’ First Peoples Self-Determination Reform Strategy 2026-2031 - accessible (DOCX, 2.6 MB)

Honouring the rights and dignity of Traditional Owners and First Peoples across Victoria

First developed in 2020, Pupangarli Marnmarnepu has been refreshed in 2026 to reflect significant changes since then, including Victoria’s Treaty journey, the findings of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and strengthened whole‑of‑government commitments to First Peoples self‑determination.

The refreshed 5-year strategy is a roadmap that enables self-determination at DEECA by fostering an environment that honours the rights and dignity of Traditional Owners. The strategy is founded on cultural authority that sets the strategic direction and actions for us to advance First Peoples self-determination.

The strategy is informed by the priorities of Traditional Owners, with outcomes, measures, indicators and annual priorities developed, monitored and reviewed  in partnership with them.

• Pupangarli Marnmarnepu summary (PDF, 1.9 MB)
• Pupangarli Marnmarnepu summary (DOCX, 230.5 KB)

The strategy’s 4 domains

The strategy incorporates and builds upon our Self-Determination Reform Framework.

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The strategy also aligns with the whole-of-government commitments set out in the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework (VAAF) and supports transformation guided by the Self-Determination Reform Framework.

In addition, Pupangarli Marnmarnepu complements Statewide Treaty by supporting DEECA to work in ways that are consistent with Treaty objectives, strengthen accountability to First Peoples, and prepare for future Treaty negotiations and outcomes.

Traditional Owner-authored strategies

Pupangarli Marnmarnepu sits alongside existing Traditional Owner strategies such as Country Plans.

Across Victoria, many Traditional Owners groups have published plans that set out their vision, priorities, and direction for Country. DEECA supports these strategies by reflecting Traditional Owner priorities in our planning, policies and work.