These are exciting times in Victoria. Momentum is building for real reconciliation between First Nations people and coloniser society. The state Treaty process is well underway, with formal negotiations expected to begin later this year, and extensive hearings at the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Yoorrook is investigating injustice against First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation. And more and more First Nations are asserting their rights to manage their traditional Country.
The First People’s Assembly of Victoria (The Assembly), which is the representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, says:
To create a better future, we need everyone to recognise that while the murder and dispossession inflicted on Aboriginal people happened in the past, it continues to cause ongoing harm, disadvantage, and discrimination today.
That’s why we need to negotiate a better deal through Treaty.
Treaty will provide Aboriginal communities with the power to develop and deliver practical solutions at a local level.
The Assembly notes that as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up just 2–3% of the population, they need the broader community to show there is support for Treaty.
The Assembly has asked community organisations to support the Treaty process. The statement from Friends of the Earth Melbourne (FoE) is below.
FoE statement in support of the Treaty process
Friends of the Earth Melbourne is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where we do our work. We are active in our campaigning across Victoria and acknowledge the Traditional Owners of all the areas where we operate. We acknowledge that all these lands are the Cultural Landscapes of the unceded sovereign lands of Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and remember that sovereignty was never ceded.
As an organisation deeply committed to advancing social justice and equality, we want to play our part in righting the wrongs of the past and be part of creating a better future together.
We recognise the historic opportunity presented by the Treaty process, which will be informed by the testimonies delivered through the Yoorrook Commission. With profound respect for the sovereignty, culture, and rights of First Peoples, we are pleased to announce that we will walk with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria on the journey to Treaty.
We recognise that when it comes to First Peoples communities, cultures and lands, the experts are - of course - First Peoples. In our campaign work and engagement with government we will continue to advocate for First Peoples organisations to be seen as decision makers over issues that impact them, not just stakeholders.
The past can’t be changed, but we can choose to take steps today that will help heal the ongoing pain caused by the injustices of yesterday.
We believe a better tomorrow is possible and Friends of the Earth pledges our unwavering support to the First Peoples’ Treaty process in Victoria.
To help build support for the shared journey to Treaty, we will:
- Continue to seek and listen to First Nations guidance in how we plan and operate our campaigns
- Work to support and amplify First Nations voices in our campaigns and among our community of members and supporters
- Seek to include First Nations perspectives in all our campaign work
- Actively and publicly support the Treaty process
By making this pledge, we affirm our commitment to the self-determination of First Peoples in Victoria as they assert their rights, tell their truths, and chart a path towards, and healing through, Treaty-making.
Together, we will create a future where First Peoples’ voices are heard, rights are respected, and justice is realised for generations to come.
Words from the Assembly Co-chairs
Further information
To find out more about the Treaty process and how to support it, check this Treaty Explainer.
