Anniversary of Gunaikurnai Native Title Recognition

22 October 2010

On 22 October 2010, the Federal Court recognised Gunaikurnai native title over much of Gippsland. The anniversary honours Gunaikurnai people’s continuing connection to Country and the work leading to that recognition.

Recognition and a settlement in Gippsland

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation identifies the Court’s date in its public explanation. On the same day, the Victorian Government entered into a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the Gunaikurnai people.

Two connected legal outcomes

The agreement was the first under Victoria’s Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. The native title determination and the state settlement were connected, but they were not the same legal instrument.

Explaining both outcomes helps learners understand why one date may carry several achievements. A determination recognises specified rights through Australian native title law; a negotiated agreement can contain additional arrangements and commitments.

The anniversary should not be narrated as a court creating Gunaikurnai identity or connection in 2010. It recognises a legal milestone within a much longer history and continuing responsibilities for Country, community and future generations.

Reflecting and learning

Compare the Corporation’s account of native title with the government’s description of the settlement agreement. What does each document do, and why should their scopes be described separately?

Start with the sources below and distinguish the original event from later interpretations and commemorations. When using this date in a classroom or workplace, allow time for questions and further reading. First Nations peoples have diverse histories and perspectives; this brief introduction does not speak for every community.

Sources and further reading

• Native Title — Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
• Gunaikurnai Recognition and Settlement Agreement — First Peoples–State Relations, Victoria

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.