Principles

MLDRIN Key Principles

1) Our core principle is that only traditional owners are best placed to talk for Country.

‘Country’ is an English word used by Aboriginal people to describe the complex interplay of animals, plants, landscapes, humans and spiritual beings that define a place or region.

Traditional Owners or Custodians are Aboriginal people who have specific rights and responsibilities covering a place or region through ancestral connection and cultural traditions

Only Traditional Owners have the right to speak for Country.

2) The Sovereignty and inherent rights of traditional custodians are never ceded.

Despite centuries of colonisation and displacement, Traditional Owners retain their rights and responsibilities over Country, including land and water. These rights survive the imposition of a colonial legal framework and have never been ceded. These rights include : the right to use, enjoy, own and care for our lands and waters, the right to practice our culture and sustain our knowledge systems, the right to determine our own interests and pursue them in our own way.

3) MLDRIN will not interfere with the internal governance of individual Indigenous Nations.

MLDRIN will not interfere with the internal governance of individual Indigenous Nations. The role of MLDRIN is the one of an advocacy & representative body, a united voice for confederated, autonomous Nations.

4) All Indigenous Nations are equal within the MLDRIN Confederacy.

All Indigenous Nations are equal within the MLDRIN Confederacy.

5) MLDRIN respects the diversity of Nations in relation to tradition, sites, stories, cultural practices and governance.

MLDRIN respects the diversity of Nations in relation to tradition, sites, stories, cultural practices and governance.

6) Resources of the Confederation will be shared equally.

The resources of the Confederation will be shared equally between the 25 Indigenous Nations.

7) Self-determination of the Nations and of MLDRIN is the only sustainable way to do business.

MLDRIN will strive to ensure that our objectives and activities are not directed by any outside influences, be it government agencies or companies from the private sector.

8) Informed consent is key principle in how MLDRIN operates.

This ensures all that community members are aware and are in agreement with the operation of projects and have been granted the opportunity to participate.