First Peoples from across Victoria joined us at the MCG on 28 Feb for discussions about the Assembly’s approach to Treaty negotiations, which kicked off earlier this year.
Over two sunny days on beautiful Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, we yarned about two of the key priorities we’re taking to the negotiating table: accountability and truth-telling.
Mob have told us loud and clear that we need better accountability mechanisms for holding government accountable for their commitments. Likewise, the truth-telling element will build on the groundbreaking work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, which will deliver its final report mid-year.
The Statewide Treaty Gathering was the latest in a series of community forums being held all across the state, where thousands of First Peoples have come together to build a unifying vision for Treaty in Victoria.
The Gathering began with a beautiful Welcome to Country by Uncle Bill Nicholson at the Scar Tree in Yarra Park, along with dances by Djirri Djirri, Wulumbarra Koori Youth Will Shake Spears and Dja Dja Wurrung/ Yorta Yorta dancers and performers.
After that, everyone moved inside the MCG where we listened to invigorating speeches from our elected Co-Chairs, Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg, who set the scene for the two day event.
Attendees heard from elected Elders who are part of the Assembly’s Elders’ Voice Standing Group, along with other distinguished speakers, community leaders and First Peoples experts.
To all Community who came and took part, a very big thank you! Your ideas and honest feedback are paving the journey to Treaty.
Thanks for walking with us.
