The Victorian Government proudly acknowledges the First Peoples of Victoria as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waterways on which we live and work. First Peoples’ sovereignty has never been ceded.
We honour and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge that Aboriginal peoples continue to represent the world’s oldest living culture.
In working towards Treaty, the Victorian Government is committed to acknowledging the truth of Victoria’s history and laying the foundations for improved relationships between the State, Aboriginal Victorians and the broader Victorian community.
The Victorian Government is committed to First Peoples’ self-determination. Treaty is the process required to ensure genuine self-determination for Victorian Traditional Owners and First Peoples.
Language Statement
The term ‘First Peoples’ is used in this implementation progress report to respectfully refer to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. ‘Traditional Owner’ is used to refer to Traditional Owners of Country in Victoria. Other terminology, such as ‘Aboriginal’, is used where it is in the title of a program, initiative or organisation, or where appropriate to improve readability.
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