Each Indigenous Nation selects up to 2 delegates using their own internal business. The way a Nation does this depends on many things including their geography, population, history and experience with colonialism.
Some Nations use a genealogical governance structure. For example the Yorta Yorta peoples have incorporated body based on family groupings. Each family group selects 2 Elders to sit on the Yorta Yorta Council of Elders which directs the incorporated body on cultural and natural resources management issues. The Yorta Yorta MLDRIN delegates are selected by the Yorta Yorta Council of Elders.
Another example is the Wamba Wamba Nation which straddles both sides of the Murray River and includes the major townships of Deniliquin (NSW) and Swan Hill (Victoria). The Wamba Wamba delegates are selected through organisational meetings in each of these towns – and both choose 1 delegate each.
All the MLDRIN delegates form the MLDRIN Confederation and must report back to their respective Nations and seek approval for decisions using their Governance structures. MLDRIN meets at least 3-4 times a year, with regular updates throughout.
Furthermore, a smaller working group of 4 delegates meetings between the larger Confederation meetings to progress actions and make recommendations on various negotiation processes.
Ramsay Freeman
Ramsay Freeman is a Wiradjuri man born at Brungle and now living on Wiradjuri traditional country at Tumut in the Snowy Mountains. His people’s country is at the headwaters of the Murray and the Murrumbigee Rivers.
Uncle Ramsay has worked as a seasonal labourer and with Tumut Shire Council and has also worked with NSW Forests. He has been with MLDRIN since its inception and is also on the Wiradjuri Council of Elders and is Chairman of the Snowy Mountains Elders Council.
