INDIGENOUS people in the Bendigo region will be able to have their say on a ground-breaking Treaty Negotiation Framework.
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The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria - the first democratically-elected body of Indigenous people in the state's history - have voted in favour of the framework after two years of work.
The framework will pave the way for the assembly to advance discussions with the state government about the ground rules and architecture that will enable future negotiations of Treaties.
Assembly member for the north-west region, Raylene Harradine, will join Aunty Geraldine Atkinson to host an online event about the framework.
The event, which will be held on November 9 between 2pm and 4pm, is open to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities in the Bendigo region.
"Over the past two years we haven't been able to engage with our community," Ms Harradine said. "We want to have a chat with our community around Treaty and tell them how they can have a say.
"This will be a particular event for Bendigo but there will be other ones across our region."
The key elements of the Treaty Negotiation Framework include:
- Treaties - the assembly is pushing for a state-wide Treaty but also local Treaties that empower Traditional Owners
- A meaningful voice - the assembly will look at whether it should push for permanent seats in the state parliament for Indigenous people or whether Indigenous people should have their own permanent representative body with decision-making powers
- An independent umpire - this will be a neutral party that will help facilitate Treaty negotiations and resolve any disputes
- Capacity building - the assembly is seeking an Aboriginal controlled and managed self-determination fund that is capable of addressing power imbalances in the state
The assembly also voted to adopt a proposal to change its representation arrangements for Traditional Owners who want to participate in the Treaty process.
Ms Harradine said the assembly had been working hard to ensure that culture and Elders' voices were a key part of the framework.
The BDAC chief executive said the body would work to have more in-person engagement sessions with the community in 2022.
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"I know people don't always like to talk in a forum or group, they want to talk one-on-one," Ms Harradine said. "I'm always happy if anyone emails or calls me. I'm also open to receiving any feedback."
Ms Harradine has also been recognised in the Community Achievement Awards for Regional Victoria. She has been listed as a finalist in the category of the Community Hero Award.
"I was really shocked by the recognition," Ms Harradine said. "I really enjoy doing this work and making changes.
"You don't realise you're making a difference until someone pulls you aside and tells you. If I can make a difference in one person's life, then that's amazing.
"I never get tired of it. I know I have a purpose in life."
Ms Harradine said people could contact her directly about the Treaty Negotiation Framework at rayleneh@firstpeoplesvic.org
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