| May has been a busy month in Victoria with National Reconciliation Week, Sorry Day, Dreamtime at the G and Yirramboi which showcased Aboriginal talent Melbourne wide. These events and more have highlighted Aboriginal voices in art, sport, music, history and more!
The theme of the upcoming NAIDOC week (7-14 July) is Voice, Treaty, Truth – three building blocks for meaningfully supporting Victoria’s Aboriginal peoples. The theme revolves around listening to the stories of Abroiginal peoples and working towards a healing partnership. There will be events all around the state so keep an eye out on Facebook, Twitter and our next eNews.
It is important to continue the public conversation around Aboriginal rights. There are still many fronts which call for support from the wider community such as the Djab Wurrung Embassy which is protecting sacred birthing trees on Djab Wurrung Country. Many people have traveled to the embassy near Ararat to show support. Learn more about the embassy here and here. There is also the exciting process of the Victorian Treaty – Australia’s first Treaty process. To find out more about Treaty as well as other inspiring news, read below.
First Peoples Assembly of Victoria
Nominations for candidates of the First Nations Assembly of Victoria have opened. The election will be held in July and the 33 representatives will be announced in August. The Assembly will outline the framework of Treaty negotiations in Victoria, as well as the process and guidelines for choosing Traditional Owners who will take on this negotiation between Victoria and Traditional Owners of the State. The Assembly will not negotiate the actual Treaty itself. Find out more here. See the latest news from the Victorian Treaty Commission here. You can enroll or nominate a Traditional Owner to be a part of the assembly here.
Reconciliation Week
May 27th – June 3rd
This year’s theme – Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage – encouraged us to tread the path of truth, both in history and present. This allows us to look towards a future of embracing First Peoples, their history and their rich culture. Hundreads of event took place around the state.
Sport
The AFL’S annual Dream time at the G kicked off with a stella performance which included Senator Pat Dodson, Briggs, Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, and Wurundjeri Woiworrung people, the custodians of the lands and waters around the MCG.
This year the round was in honour of Sir Dough Nicholls, the first Aboriginal man to be knighted and a respected Yorta Yorta Elder and Aboriginal rights advocate. The opening ceremony for this year’s match was truly moving. If you missed Richmond player Sydney Stack join in the on the Richmond War Cry check it out here.
The NRL also held their Indigenous round last week which proceeded the Long Walk through Newcastle.
A long awaited documentary about Adam Goodes has been released this week. The documentary highlights Goodes’ experience of racism in AFL and how this reflects racist narratives in Australia.
Ken Wyatt as the minister for Indigenous affairs
Ken Wyatt, Minister of Indigenous affairs
Mr.Ken Wyatt, a Noongar man, has become the first minster of Indigenous Affairs who is Aboriginal. Wyatt was also the first Aboriginal person to be elevate to cabinet back in 2017 under the Turnball Government as the Minster for Aged Care and Minster of Indigenous Health. Find out more here.
EVENTS
In Conversation – The White Girl by Tony Birsch
Thursday 13 June, 6 – 8pm
Victoria University, Footscray
Join Tony Birch and a panel of speakers from Victoria University’s Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Centre in conversation about Birch’s newest book, The White Girl. Speakers include Tony Birch, Karen Jackson, Kim Kruger, Paola Balla.
The White Girl will be on sale on the night, and book signings available after the conversation. Find out more here.
Treaty a community conversation
Thurs 13 June, 6:30-8:30pm
Preston library
Find out what Treaty means to and for you! This event is collaboration between radio 3KND, Darebin City Council and Reconciliation Victoria.
The event will be live broadcast by 3KND. Welcome to Country will be performed by Uncle Bill Nicholson, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder.
Speakers include:
Jill Gallagher – Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner,
Diana David – CEO of Reconciliation Victoria
Marcus Stewart – CEO of Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations
Moderator, Charles Wells – Treaty Correspondent 3KND.
Find out more here.
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Ondru – Yumarrala Ngulu: give voice
25 June – 21 July
Boxhill Community Art Centre
To honour the Stolen Generations, this art project includes voices, particularly of women’s experiences of the Stolen Generation, with stories of family, love, hope and dreams. The project aims to create a space for a dialogue with the broader community, beginning with acknowledging and respecting these stories. Find out more here.
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