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Self Determination

Self-determination is vital for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as it represents Peoples right to make decisions about their own lives, communities, and futures. This principle is rooted in the acknowledgment of sovereignty and the need to restore autonomy that has been undermined by colonisation.

Through self-determination, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples people can reclaim control over their Cultures. Self-determination is crucial for achieving meaningful reconciliation. It ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ voices are central in decision-making processes that affect their lives, leading to more equitable and just outcomes. By supporting self-determination, society acknowledges the inherent rights of First Nations People to govern themselves and recognises their contributions to the broader community. This, in turn, promotes healing from the historical injustices of colonisation, paving the way for stronger, more respectful relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

In this Self-Guided Education Tour you will learn:

  • To understand the importance of Self Determination
  • The context and its importance

Course Modules

Filters:

Web page

Aboriginal Self Determination

Victorian Government First Peoples State Relations

Learn about the Victorian Government's approach to self-determination priorities

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PDF

Self-Determination Reform Framework

Victorian Government First Peoples State Relations

The Self-Determination Reform Framework guides public service action to enable self-determination in line with the Victorian Government’s commitments in the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework.

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PDF

Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy Overview

Government of Western Australia

The Strategy sets out how the WA Government will support a future in which all Aboriginal people are empowered to live good lives

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Factsheet

Right to self-determination Public Sector Guidance Sheet

Attorney-General's Department

The guidance sheets are designed to assist Commonwealth public officials involved in developing legislation, policy or programs.

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Web page

Right to self determination

Australian Human Rights Commission

All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

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Education Curriculum Resource

Self-Determination and Treaty

Deadly Story

A guide to self determination and treaty for children and young people

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Factsheet

Self-Determination Factsheet

ANTAR

Learn about Australia's history of self-determination

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Webinar

Right to self-determination in AOD policy

The Matilda Centre

This webinar explores what is needed for First Nations Australians self-determination in the development of AOD policy

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Video

What are the risks to achieving self-determination?

Honoring Nations

Listen to expert advice from Donna Murray, CEO of Indigenous Allied Health Australia and leader in Aboriginal affairs

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Video

Working with Indigenous communities

TEDx Talks

Denise Hagan and the Puuya Foundation are empowering a remote Aboriginal community in Cape York, Australia, and delivering successful, life-changing programs.

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Web page

Explainer: What is self-determination?

Creative Spirits

What is the meaning of the right to self-determination, especially for Aboriginal people?

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Web page

Self-determination for Aboriginal Peoples

Australian Indigenous Governance Institute

Explore the concept of self-determination and how it applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

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Video

Murdi Paaki Self-determination

Reconciliation Australia

Sam Jeffries talks about self-determination in action in the Murdi Paaki region.

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Web page

Governance Stories

Australian Indigenous Governance Institute

Discover outstanding examples of Indigenous governance and self-determination from across Australia

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Article

Being an effective ally for self-determination

The University of Melbourne

Joanne Bolton considers self-determination from the perspective of allyship

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Article

Self-Determination – A Youth’s Perspective

Deadly Story

Georgia Mae Capocchi-Hunter discusses self-determination as a young Wurundjeri woman of the Kulin Nation in Melbourne

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