Cultural Heritage Protection

The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is working with First Nations Peoples, government and industry stakeholders to strengthen Indigenous cultural heritage protection.

Current cultural heritage legislation across Australia is focused on the regulation of destruction rather than empowering first nations people to self-determine how their own heritage is managed.

The NNTC Advocates for:

    • First Nations Peoples right to make decisions about their own heritage
    • First Nations Peoples right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent
    • Industry agreement-making practices must meet international standards and adhere to the principles outlines in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

FIRST NATIONS HERITAGE PROTECTION ALLIANCE

The First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (The Alliance) is a coalition of First Nations groups from across Australia.

We work to strengthen cultural heritage laws and to create industry reforms to ensure Indigenous cultural heritage is valued and protected for the future.

The Alliance is focused on:

LEGISLATIVE REFORM
    • Working with the Commonwealth and State Governments on Indigenous cultural heritage protections across legislation and policy.
    • Seek to strengthen and modernise the laws and protections and put Indigenous people at the centre of decision making.
BUSINESS AND INVESTOR ENGAGEMENT

The Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative is an Indigenous-led project that provides resources to enable investors and business to pro-actively contribute to the Dhawura Ngilan Vision by achieving best practice throughout their strategies, operations, and business relationships.  Dhawura Ngilan means “Remembering Country” in the Ngunnawal language.

Businesses and investors have a responsibility to respect First Nations Cultural Heritage, an integral part of the rich tapestry of Australia’s history and identity. They risk serious consequences, including financial, legal and reputational damage, if they falter.

Current laws and policies in Australia are, for the most part, unfit for the purpose of protecting and conserving First Nations Cultural Heritage. Due to the deficiencies in these laws, it is incumbent on businesses and investors to reach beyond legislative standards and implement leading practice for cultural heritage as defined by First Nations Peoples.

ADVOCACY

The Alliance advocates for better protection of Indigenous cultural heritage both in Australia and internationally. This includes:

    • Holding the current government to account on their public commitment to introduce new stand-alone cultural heritage protection work.
    • Supporting member cultural heritage protection work.
    • Working in solidarity with First Nations groups globally to share best practice and hold multinational businesses to account.

If you would like to know more about the NNTC’s work in Cultural Heritage or are interested in joining The Alliance, please visit the Alliance’s website: www.culturalheritage.org.au