It is essential that the visions of Indigenous communities are accepted in holistic terms.
It is also important to note that while the visions of Indigenous communities could be the same or similar, they will also be independent due to the inherent cultural diversity of each community in relation to traditions, sites, stories and cultural practices.
Distinct rights exist for Indigenous people as part of their rights to self-determination. These rights should be recognised as inherent and holistic. They are:
• Customary fishing rights of Indigenous communities along the coastal and river systems; and
• Human rights to maintain a cultural economy
Customary rights relate to cultural self-determination and the preservation of distinctive cultural identities.
Human rights to maintain a ‘cultural economy’ relate to Indigenous communities being able to undertake activities that secure sustainable capital from the natural resources that traditionally and historically belong to each community.
Indigenous people want to be actively involved at all levels of management of fisheries resources throughout their traditional lands.
Indigenous people are very proud that they have survived the onslaughts of colonisation, assimilation and different forms of indoctrination and discrimination.
Indigenous communities believe that economic, cultural, environmental and social values should be given equal status when policy and management decisions are made.
A strong level of interest and enthusiasm for Indigenous involvement in the seafood industry already exists within Victoria’s Indigenous communities, but many communities are often unaware of the opportunities available or are unable to adequately assess them.
Numerous Indigenous communities have recognised that opportunities are not being made available within their regions to retain their youth. Many groups believe that economic development (particularly in the seafood sector) may act as a logical pathway to retaining youth and achieving more healthy vibrant communities and futures for their families.
