Onemda Yarning - Treaty Victoria presentation - 19 August

Treaty Victoria, Gellung Warl

Indi Clarke, Uncle Alan Brown and Noah Honeysett provided an overview of the decades-long advocacy that led to Victoria's statewide treaty.  Key milestones included:

  • Calls for Treaty dating back to the National Aboriginal Conference in 1979.
  • Prime Minister Bob Hawke's 1988 commitment to pursuing a treaty.
  • Ongoing reconciliation efforts driven by generations of Aboriginal community advocacy, resilience and resistance.
  • The establishment of the Victorian treaty process as a pathway to self-determination and structural reform.

Treaty Outcomes and reforms, including:

  • Truth-telling and First Peoples' history embedded in school education.
  • Ceremonial markers and public recognition of First Peoples' histories and cultures.
  • Development of culturally capable workforce standards.
  • Greater First Peoples' control over key programs, awards and infrastructure funding.
  • Increased community-led decision-making and governance.

Statewide and Local Treaty Processes

Victoria has adopted a hybrid treaty model, allowing for:

  • Statewide agreements that address issues affecting all First Peoples in Victoria.
  • Local treaty negotiations led by Traditional Owner groups and individual communities.

Speakers also reflected on lessons learned from international treaty processes, particularly those undertaken in Canada.

First Peoples' Institute

The proposed First Peoples' Institute aims to become a centre for Indigenous knowledge, leadership and workforce development.  Inspired by models such as Currie College, the institute would:

  • Recognise and validate community knowledge and expertise.
  • Support leadership pathways for First Peoples.
  • Strengthen workforce capability and community development.

Challenges and Next Steps

Speakers acknowledged ongoing challenges, including political uncertainty and the spread of misinformation.  Key messages included:

  • Community engagement remains critical to successful implementation.
  • Education and public awareness are essential to building understanding of treaty.
  • Individuals can play an important role by challenging misconceptions, sharing accurate information and supporting informed public discussion.

The Victorian treaty process represents the culmination of decades of Aboriginal advocacy and community leadership. While significant milestones have been achieved, successful implementation will depend on continued community participation, truth-telling, accountability and public understanding.