First Nations and the Environment
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the sovereign custodians of the diverse lands and waters across the continent now known as Australia
In the context of climate change, and as a number of Australian jurisdictions move towards treaty with First Nations Peoples, there is a growing need to understand how environment-related laws can support and empower First Nations Peoples.
Our research
Accessing Water to Meet Aboriginal Economic Development Needs (2021)
The Cultural Water for Cultural Economies project is designed to identify specific law and policy pathways to increase water access for Traditional Owners and First Nations across Victoria, and to support their use of this water for economic development in accordance with their laws and cultural protocols. The project is a partnership between the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) and University of Melbourne, as well as representatives from 20 Traditional Owner organisations and First Nations across Victoria. Project ID: 1954101.1. (2018-2021).
More research
Affiliated organisations and initiatives
Indigenous Law and Justice Hub
The Indigenous Law and Justice Hub (ILJH) brings together legal experts and community leaders to support Indigenous advocacy and self-governance. We are educators who play a central role in developing our law students’ understandings of Indigenous cultures, legal systems, and Indigenous experiences of settler law.
Academic Members
Events
MCLE organises conferences, public lectures, workshops, seminars and reading groups.
banner image credit: Jim McFarlane and the Classroom Photo Mural Initiative