Principles of engagement

We must understand self-determination as a core principle and embed it in our business as usual. The enablers of self-determination are to:

• prioritise culture
• address trauma and support healing
• address racism and promote cultural safety
• transfer power and resources to communities.

Traditional Owners must have the opportunity to meaningfully participate in and control processes that affect their Country and Community, in ways decided by them.

We must all work towards becoming more culturally competent.

This means being aware of and valuing the cultural knowledge and skills of Aboriginal people and creating culturally safe environments.

DEECA acknowledges that past decisions and processes in land and natural resource management have not considered the interests or benefits of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities.

We need to ensure these are not repeated. That's why all DEECA projects need to create respectful processes with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities that recognise this history.

By making sure our engagement is carried out through the lens of self-determination, we can work towards our ultimate goal of transferring power and resources to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities.

DEECA cannot act unilaterally.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities must give free, prior and informed consent to any decisions or changes that impact them.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities have their own governance structures and ways of making decision. Their representatives often need to discuss matters with a committee or their community before being able to confirm their involvement.

This must be respected, and timelines must incorporate governance structures and ways of making decisions.

It's important to factor in adequate budget for Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities to participate in your projects, programs and initiatives.

This includes cultural expertise and knowledge, sitting fees, travel and accommodation expenses.

Reach out to the relevant Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities at the very start of your project.

The sooner you start, the sooner you will find out how (or whether) your project connects with their priorities and aspirations. Incorporate what you learn into your project design.

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities self-determine their own priorities and capacity for participation.

It's important we support this in a culturally safe way.

Traditional Owners and the Victorian Government are equal partners in the management of land and natural resources.

Traditional Owners have inherent rights to care for Country. That's why any decision-making must balance Traditional Owners' formalised rights and responsibilities.

Engagement with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities should be place-based.

This means focusing on local needs, knowledge and solutions, and the unique attributes of a place. Where you can, go out on Country and meet with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Communities.