Our History
Formerly known as Native Title Services Victoria (NTSV), First Nations Legal & Research Services (FNLRS) was established in 2003 to provide First Nations people with support in native title matters in Victoria. Despite the rejection of the Yorta Yorta native title claim by the High Court of Australia, and the common view native title would be almost impossible to establish in southern Australia as a consequence of the early and brutal colonisation process, FNLRS has supported multiple groups achieve native title.
This Includes
- The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk in 2005
- The Gunditjmara in 2007
- The Gunaikurnai in 2010
- The Gunditjmara and Eastern
- Maar jointly in 2011
- The Eastern Maar in 2023
Following an extensive period of advocacy by FNLRS and First Nations people an alternative traditional owner recognition pathway was created under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) conferring a range of rights and significant benefits on First Nations communities. FNLRS has assisted the following groups negotiate settlements under this act:
- The Gunaikurnai in 2010
- The Djaara in 2013
- The Taungurung in 2018
- The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk in 2022
FNLRS supported the development of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations, which plays a critical role in advocating for enhanced rights and interests for First Nations people.