On stage: Yorta Yorta woman Madi Colville Walker will be performing at Treaty Day Out.
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The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is bringing the first ever Treaty Day Out community event to Shepparton.
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The event is being held to coincide with the by-election in which First Nations people in the state’s north-east will choose who will represent them in the Treaty process.
To be held at Rumbalara Football Netball Club on February 26, the event is one of great significance to the region.
A massive line-up of First Nations artists will front the event, featuring the iconic creators of the Treaty anthem, Northern Territory band Yothu Yindi.
Up and coming Yorta Yorta artist Madi Colville Walker is among those playing at an event she is proud to be a part of.
“It’s so important to keep our mob connected and the culture living on,” she said.
"I’m so grateful I have opportunities such as this where I can be a role model for younger people; when I first started I had so much shame and was so shy, to have a voice now at 20, it’s great.“
Colville Walker has just released her first single, Less Than a Man, one she’s excited to share at the festival and across the region.
“I’m just so honoured and grateful to be a part of it,” she said.
“There’s artists I’ve looked up to since beginning music, Alice Skye, Uncle Archie (Roach) and family too, Briggs, Scott Darlow, it’s so honouring to share the stage with some amazing artists.”
The line-up of First Nations artists includes several local names, coming back to the region to support the festival.
Uncle Archie, who was born in Mooroopna, is an icon in the industry for his storytelling through music on critical First Nations issues, such as the Stolen Generations as well as being an advocate for Indigenous rights.
Now one of the nation’s most diverse talents in media, music and comedy, Shepparton born and raised artist Briggs will also be headlining.
Electric Fields, Alice Skye, No Fixed Address, Scott Darlow, Mo’Ju, Wulumbarra and Marlon X Rulla are all playing the one-day event.
There will be craft stalls, activities, food trucks and a mobile vaccination clinic from Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, so festival-goers can get boosted while they boogie.
Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and proud Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung nation Marcus Stewart said after such a tough couple of years in Victoria, it was time to celebrate.
“What a line-up,” he said.
“From established musical heroes to cutting-edge new talent, the day will have something for everyone.
“We’re really excited to be back out in community and celebrating our culture and music again.”
Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are enrolled with the Assembly will be given free entry to the concert.
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