Ngata, my name is Lisa Briggs and I am a proud Gunditjmara women from the western district of Victoria with connections to Framlingham and Lake Condah Mission. I live off country in Naarm Wurrundjeri country and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.
I am honoured to represent our people as a Member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. I have over 40 years’ experience working in public policy for Aboriginal Affairs at the national, state, regional and local level within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector. I have dedicated my life to serving our people under the philosophy of Aboriginal Community Control defined as community initiated, community driven, community owned. That’s what self-determination is all about, along with a strong focus on culture, cultural integrity and transparency.
The next step is a journey where we commence negotiating with government on what we would like to see within a State-wide Treaty or Treaties. I would like to see a Treaty that invests in our culture, lands and
language as that is our foundation.
A Treaty that builds an economic foundation for our families. A Treaty that provides greater pathways for the next generation. Generational change is possible through a Treaty that our people and community design.
Yana marrang in marrang — “Walk Hand in Hand”
Watch Lisa’s inaugural speech below.
Member Updates
November 2024 — Meeting of Assembly at Shepparton
Since commencing with the First Peoples Assembly Victoria (FPAV) in late August I have been fortunate to be part of a number of engagements and consultations and would like to acknowledge FPAV team for their support and also outgoing metropolitan representative Shane Charles for his commitment to Treaty.
Inaugural Chamber Sitting (September – Swan Hill)
I want to acknowledge fellow chamber members Lowana Moore and Jason Kelly for hosting the Chamber meeting in Swan Hill. This provided a great platform for celebration on the success of the Wemba Wamba peoples in achieving their RAP and delivery of my inaugural speech. It also set the scene for Chamber deliberations.
Key highlights were:
- Presentation from Elders Council
- Feedback from the local Aboriginal community on how Treaty can support their growth and respond to existing priorities such as Youth.
Treaty
As we draw closer to commencing negotiations with the Victorian government, it is great to see the collective leadership and mobilisation of the Aboriginal community members, ACCOs and TO’s in strengthening our journey. The Elders presence at the Eastern Metropolitan forum was sensational in providing their lived experienced, knowledge and support.
More engagements across metropolitan areas are being scheduled and it is through these forums that our people can actively participate and engage in the Treaty conversations.
Committee/s:
- Self-determination Fund Committee member
- Yurpa Committee member
- Treaty negotiations committee member
Engagements
August
- Statewide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Forum
- Treaty and Truth Parliamentary Lunch
September
- Statewide Traditional Owners Forum
- FPAV workstreams
October
- FPAV workstreams
- Eastern Metropolitan Treaty Forum – Ringwood
November
- 2nd Statewide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Forums
- Chamber – Shepparton
- Official opening of Treaty Negotiations
Future events
- Western metropolitan Forum (tbc)
- Southern metropolitan Forum (tbc)
Yana marrang in marrang – “Walk Hand in Hand”
