First Nations Legal & Research Services

Did you know there are three processes for First Nations groups to become formally recognised as Traditional Owners of Country under State and Federal laws? These processes include native title, Settlement and becoming a Registered Aboriginal Party. Traditional Owners seeking formal recognition can pursue any or all three of these. Each process is unique in its own right and is tailored to the differing cultural and historical needs of the various Traditional Owner groups across the State. If you’re a Traditional Owner seeking recognition and would like to learn more about these processes, visit https://lnkd.in/gzxJhurP #nativetitle #settlement #traditionalowners

On Saturday 19 October, our team had the privilege of attending a highly successful Mid North West Nations’ full group meeting in Swan Hill alongside the Treaty Authority. It was an inspiring day filled with yarning and reflections on the journey to Treaty for Traditional Owners. After the productive sessions, the team spent some well-earned time in the sun with the members of the Treaty Authority team. Special thanks to Toby-Lee Kirby, Gabby Maher, Shenali De Silva, Duean White, Andrew Jackomos, and Fiona Ryan for the discussions and shared insights. #TreatyJourney #TraditionalOwners #SwanHill #CommunityYarning #FNLRS #TreatyAuthority

Fourteen years-ago, the Gunaikurnai Native Title Agreement was established. Marking the third native title determination in Victoria and the first under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act. Since then, the Gunaikurnai people continue their traditional practices in caring for Country, sharing their culture and supporting the wellbeing of both their community and the broader Gippsland region. We are proud to be part of the Gunaikurnai people’s journey to recognition. At FNLRS, we’re continuing to support their negotiations with the State to enter into a new Recognition and Settlement Agreement that builds on the settlement reached in 2010. #FirstNations #FNLRS  #nativetitle #recognition

As Victoria’s only native title service provider, we work directly with Traditional Owners in their pursuit of land justice outcomes in Victoria through formal recognition. Since 2003, we have supported Traditional Owners through community liaison, legal and research services. Victoria now has four successful determinations of native title across the State and a settlement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic). But as always, we still have more work to do. We are committed to working with Traditional Owners to ensure they achieve recognition of their inherent rights and responsibilities to Country. To learn more about the services we provide, visit https://lnkd.in/gggjNBqc #nativetitle #TraditionalOwners #landjustice #FNLRS

Fourteen years ago, the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) (the Act) came into effect. The Act followed successful negotiations from First Nations people and the creation of an alternative framework, allowing out-of-court native title settlement for First Nations groups. Since its inception, FNLRS supports Victorian First Nations groups seek settlements through the Act. This includes working with First Nations groups to produce a Threshold Statement and negotiate with the State Government. Find out more here https://lnkd.in/gptQCj5J #FirstNations #21YearsofFNLRS #nativetitle 

Recently, our legal team attended the annual Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) workshop Brisbane. They’ve returned glowing from the Queensland sun and excited to take their work in Victoria further. The NTRB workshop is a unique opportunity for lawyers from representative bodies across Australia to share knowledge and practical skills within the sector. Special shoutout to our own Rainer Matthews, Stacey Little and Kieren Murray for their insightful presentations. Thanks to everyone who helped organise the workshop. #FirstNations #AIATSIS #NativeTitle

We often get questions on what constitutes native title. Native title has existed in principle for thousands of years but was only recognised under Australia law in 1992 and then in Victoria from December 2005. There are many cultural and historical factors that determine native title. It can exist on vacant crown land, national parks, pastoral leases and beaches, rivers, creeks and other waters that are not privately owned and where it hasn’t been extinguished. However, native title cannot take away anyone else’s valid rights, including private ownership of homes. For more information on where native title exists, visit https://lnkd.in/gim5P6Dj #FirstNations #VictorianTraditionalOwners #NativeTitle

Last week we were proud to celebrate 21 years of First Nations Legal and Research Services alongside friends and family! The event marked a significant milestone for FNLRS as we reflected on the evolution of our organisation and native title in Victoria. Together with our MC Dylan Clarke, we marked the occasion with speeches from our CEO Tony Kelly, Board Chair Ken Stewart and First People’s Assembly Co-Chair Ngarra Murray. We also had special guest performances from our very own Kieren Murray, and Australian rock icon Paul Kelly. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 21 years. We are looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively as we navigate the new Treaty era. #FirstNations #21YearsofFNLRS #nativetitle

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of First Nations people in Victoria? We’re looking for a committed graduate lawyer or lawyer to join our growing team. This is an opportunity for someone passionate about advocating for Victorian First Nations people and contributing to our impactful legal work. For more information or to make an application, please visit https://lnkd.in/dni4CHxU #FirstNations #JobOpportunity #nativetitle