Acknowledgement of Aboriginal people and communities in Victoria
Aboriginal people are acknowledged as Australia’s First Nations Peoples and the custodians of the land and waterways upon which we depend. We acknowledge Victoria’s Aboriginal communities and culture and pay respect to their Elders past and present.
Aboriginal culture is founded on a strong social, cultural and spiritual order that has sustained more than 60,000 years of existence. Victorian Aboriginal communities and peoples are culturally diverse, with rich and varied heritages and histories. Aboriginal cultural heritage and the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to culture and society is acknowledged as a source of strength and pride to enrich the whole Victorian community.
The long standing leadership of Aboriginal communities and Elders in Victoria is recognised in preventing and responding to family violence and improving outcomes for Aboriginal people, children and families, whilst also acknowledging the devastating impacts and accumulation of trauma across generations as a result of colonisation, genocide and the violent dispossession of land and children. The invaluable contributions of all those who have paved the way and fought for the rights of Aboriginal people, including the right to self-determination and the right to live free from violence, are acknowledged.
To ensure that Aboriginal people, children, families and communities thrive, the Victorian Government is committed to an enduring community-led response to end family violence against Aboriginal people, underpinned by self-determination. Self-determination requires government to value and respect Aboriginal knowledge, systems and expertise and to transfer authority, decision making control and resources to Aboriginal people. This requires a significant cultural shift and a new way of working together. The Government acknowledges that this is the key to better outcomes for Aboriginal people and stronger, safer families and communities. Aboriginal self-determination is the foundation of Dhelk Dja - Safe Our Way: Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families (‘Dhelk Dja’).
Acknowledgment to Victim-Survivors
We acknowledge all victim-survivors of family violence and their families. We remember those who have been killed as a result of family violence. We also keep forefront in our minds all those who are still experiencing family violence today, and for whom we undertake this work.
Acknowledgement on Treaty and Truth processes
It is acknowledged that Treaty and Truth processes in Victoria may have a significant impact on Government policy, governance and funding across all areas of Aboriginal Affairs. A commitment is provided to amend the Dhelk Dja Partnership Agreement and Action Plans, including governance and funding arrangements, as required to align with progress in Treaty negotiations and findings/ recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
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