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First Peoples - State Relations

Responsible for the Victorian Government's work in the areas of cultural rights, self-determination, treaty and truth telling.

Aboriginal flagTorres Strait Islander flag

The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.

a hand moves eucalypt leaves and blossoms around in a wooden bowl as part of a smoking ceremony

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

A Welcome to Country ceremony is performed by Traditional Owners for people visiting their Country.
An Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners can be done by anyone. It shows awareness of, and respect for, the Traditional Owners of the land where a meeting or event is being held.

Learn about acknowledging Traditional Owners
a hand moves eucalypt leaves and blossoms around in a wooden bowl as part of a smoking ceremony

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

Find out if you should do a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners for your event.

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Aboriginal cultural heritage

Discover more about how to recognise, respect and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. Learn how to access the register of known Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects within Victoria.

Map of Victorian Traditional owner areas

Traditional Owners map of Victoria

Use this map to search for an area and see who the formally recognised Traditional Owners are and how to contact them.

Information for

Traditional Owners

Support and programs for Traditional Owners in Victoria.

Information for heritage advisors

Information, guides and tools to assist Heritage Advisors with cultural heritage management plans, permits and tests.

Land owners, managers and developers

Information to help land owners, managers and developers understand the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and how to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Our commitments

Close up on panels of a rug

Government's commitment to self-determination

We're committed to self-determination and working closely with the Aboriginal community to drive action and improve outcomes.

Letters in black yellow and red spelling out Treaty on the steps of Parliament House

Treaty for Victoria

Find out more about Treaty in Victoria, what it is and why we need it.

Tae Rak (Lake Condah) cultural walk, showing wooden boardwalk out to surrounding wetlands.

How government is working to improve outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians

Find out how we're working with Aboriginal communities to improve outcomes and close the gap.

Learn about ...

Lake Bolac stones

Cultural Heritage Management Plans

Learn about Cultural Heritage Management Plans and resources for preparing one, including tools, forms and practice notes.

Aerial view of Lakes Entrance

What is native title?

History and legislation behind the recognition and protection of native title in Victoria.

Smoking with gum leaves and arms surrounding the smoke

Engaging Traditional Owners

Learn about guidance and responsibilities for engaging Traditional Owners.

News

Treaty negotiation updates

Find out the latest updates from Victoria's Statewide Treaty negotiations.

A First Nations man stands in the middle of Federation Square in Melbourne wearing a hoodie which shows the map of Australia decorated in the colours of the Aboriginal flag.
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Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2024-26

Grants of up to $150,000 are available to support community-led responses to racism.

A group of young people from diverse backgrounds lock arms. The corners of the image have Aboriginal artwork.

Victoria's anti-racism strategy

The Victorian Government has a plan to tackle racism and discrimination in our state. Find out how you can be a part of it.

  • First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

    The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the independent and democratically elected body to represent Traditional Owners of Country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria.

  • Yoorrook Justice Commission

    The Yoorrook Justice Commission is the nation's first truth-telling process, investigating historical and ongoing injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians since colonisation.

  • Treaty Authority

    The Treaty Authority is the independent body that oversees Treaty-making in Victoria.

  • Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

    Helping the community respect and understand Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Traditional Owner responsibilities.

About First Peoples - State Relations

We protect Aboriginal cultural rights, and promote the advancement of treaty, truth and self-determination.

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