The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the voice for Aboriginal communities across the state, representing them in the next phase of the treaty process.
A treaty is an agreement between states, nations or governments. This can include an agreement between Indigenous peoples and governments.
Treaty is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of Aboriginal Victorians. It's an opportunity to address wrongs and redefine relationships between the state, Aboriginal Victorians and non-Aboriginal Victorians.
The yarning session in Seymour was hosted by Seymour Health at Goranwarrabul House and was a chance to hear updates on treaty work, ask questions, provide input and find out how the community can be involved.
Aunty Geraldine Atkinson and Aunty Leanne Miller explained treaty was not a threat to the land or livelihoods of anyone but a chance to ensure Aboriginal people were fully recognised as a vital part of the Victorian community from the past to the present and into the future.
The group was told that the Yoo-rrook process gives all Victorians the chance to tell their stories of the history of relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Victoria with no finger pointing or blaming, but to clarify the truth of what has happened.
Yoo-rrook means 'truth' in the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba language, which is spoken in the north-west region of Victoria.
For more information about the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the treaty process, visit firstpeoplesvic.org and find them on Facebook and Instagram.
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