On 22 October 2010, the Gunaikurnai People were recognised as the Traditional Owners and native title holders of 1.33 million hectares of Country across Gippsland, spanning approximately 10 per cent of Victoria. On the same day, the Gunaikurnai People signed the first settlement agreement under Victoria’s Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic).

A legal concept that acknowledges the enduring connection First Nations people have to their ancestral lands, native title gives First Nations groups the power to preserve their cultures, identities and connection to Country.

“The driving force behind the determination was, and still is, culture,” said GLaWAC CEO Daniel Miller.

“We’re still practising culture and our team has unearthed archaeological evidence of 12,000 years of continuous cultural practise.”

Gunaikurnai’s determination day was met with overwhelming validation, relief and recognition, especially for everyone that worked directly on it, including Troy’s mother, Aunty Beryl Booth. “During the determination process, people were working out of the back of cars, on bonnets, pulling together meetings over cups of tea,” said Troy. “Many of my Aunties, and my own mother, were involved in crafting the determination and settlement.”

“There was a real community effort and passion that everyone brought to the table to achieve something that was quite frankly unheard of in Gippsland.”

According to Troy, the Gunaikurnai determination was a “firecracker”. “We were dealing with significant reform. Native title, while not perfect, has provided a framework to deliver the inherent rights of our people.”

For the Gunaikurnai People, formal recognition has provided an opportunity to exercise an enduring connection to Country, realise self-determination and practice their traditions laws and customs.

“We currently jointly manage 14 parks and reserves across Country and we’re leading projects for the whole of the Gippsland region that even go beyond Gunaikurnai Country,” said Daniel.

Native title also enables GLaWAC to foster opportunity for the Gunaikurnai people. “We have a high percentage of Aboriginal and Gunaikurnai employees and we are constantly looking at ways to make everyone fit into the broader community and economy.”

“While some may not have opportunities to work for us now, there may be opportunities for their grandkids and their children,” said Troy.

As native title holders GLaWAC has been granted a voice in the negotiation of Victoria’s Statewide Treaty.

“Native title, among other types of formal recognition, has been an enabler for us to have a strong say in Treaty negotiations,” said Troy.

“Through Treaty, we can further influence conversations and government policy positions that affect Gunaikurnai Country – like fire, water and other on Country activities. This is where we think we can make a difference.”

Victorian native title service providers First Nations Legal and Research Services (FNLRS), supported the Gunaikurnai People throughout the determination process.

“FNLRS were the proponents that prosecuted the native title determination. There’s always been camps that don’t support native title, but FNLRS takes this in their stride. They don’t just convene meetings; they manage all the different opinions, and it is all in support of achieving a landmark determination.

“There is an enduring friendship with FNLRS from our determination process.”

For First Nations groups seeking formal recognition such as native title, the most important aspect is to get guidance and ensure a solid authorising environment.

“Going for formal recognition is a risky step, so it’s crucial to get the right advice and be informed. If you have a go and don’t get it, you might not get a second chance,” said Daniel.

“That’s the importance of having a partner like FNLRS – to provide that advice and have genuine conversations early, before embarking on the journey.”