Sep 27 2023 43 mins 1
Have you ever asked yourself, "What exactly is a Treaty?" As Australia prepares to participate in an unprecedented referendum in October to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the constitution, it's a question that many everyday Australians find themselves pondering. Something many First Nations communities have long called for.
In this episode, Caroline is joined by the Co-Chairs of the Victorian First People's Assembly, Reuben Berg and Ngarra Murray.
Reuben Berg is a proud Gunditjmara man and devoted father of two children. Ngarra Murray is a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman. She is the mother of four children and the second oldest of 12 siblings. Both have worked tirelessly with and alongside Victorian Aboriginal communities.
In this episode, they delve deeply into the significant undertaking of the Assembly, a democratically elected body established to negotiate Treaties, and the steps they have taken since 2019. They explain what a Treaty is and discuss the practical and iterative journey toward local and state-based Treaties being signed in the next few years. They also discuss how the Assembly arrived at a ‘yes’ position and the many opportunities that may come with a 'yes' vote, highlighting how it will complement work in Voice, Treaty and Truth Telling. Finally, in light of the recent rise in racial abuse among First Nations communities, they explore the importance of self-care and collective care.
To follow the work of the First People’s Assembly click here. To follow Ngarra Murray, click here. And Reuben here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show! Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!
We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was recorded. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.
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