The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (the Assembly) today congratulated the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) on being the first Traditional Owner group to begin the journey towards a local Treaty.
While the Assembly is negotiating a statewide Treaty with the Victorian Government on behalf of all First Peoples across the state, Traditional Owner groups can negotiate their own local Treaty with government that would allow them to use their local knowledge to come up with practical solutions for their Community.
DJAARA has formally notified the Treaty Authority – the independent body responsible for overseeing Treaty negotiations – that they seek to negotiate a local Treaty that reflects their aspirations and priorities.
The process for negotiating local Treaties is outlined in the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Co-Chair, Gunditjmara man, Rueben Berg said this is an exciting time for everyone who calls Dja Dja Wurrung Country home.
“Today the Dja Dja Wurrung people have taken the first step on their journey towards a local Treaty, which will ensure they are able to develop and deliver the practical solutions that work for their Community.
“When it comes to Aboriginal communities, cultures, lands and languages, the experts are of course Aboriginal people, and local Treaties will allow Traditional Owner groups to make the most of their local expertise to improve the lives of their people.”
Djaran Murray-Jackson, the Dja Dja Wurrung Reserved Seat Holder at the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and a DJAARA Board Director, said a local Treaty will be led by the Dja Dja Wurrung people and focus on the issues that are important on Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country in the Djaara language).
“Country, our connection to the land, is such an important part of who we are as Aboriginal people, so there’s no doubt that initiatives around land and caring for Country will be a focus for the negotiations.”
DJAARA will now take steps to form a Delegation to negotiate a local Treaty while continuing to consult with Community on their priorities for Treaty. After that, the Victorian Government would then be formally invited to begin negotiations.
Negotiations on the statewide Treaty continue between the Assembly and the Victorian Government. A formal update will be provided in the coming weeks.
