Treaty for Victoria, S24, Ep32

This program originally went to air on 8th December, 2023. however, there has been lots of further developments in relation to a Treaty for Victoria and the First People's Assembly. EarthChat will have future episodes which bring us up to date with these developments, but this initial one is an important scene setter for the episodes to follow. Join us on this journey.
Ruth and Phil are joined by Levi Power, a North East Representative of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, who brings us the latest Assembly news.
Over the next few years, the Assembly will negotiate a statewide Treaty with the Victorian State Government to tackle the big overarching statewide issues like improving health, education and justice to create a better future together for all Victorians.
The Assembly will also help empower the diverse Traditional Owner groups in Victoria to start negotiating Treaties in the areas that reflect their specific aspirations and priorities.
The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria is the independent and democratically elected body to represent Traditional Owners of Country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. They are not spooked by the recent referendum result but rather strengthened to continue to message the need for Treaty.
We’ll begin by learning about Levi and the other recently elected NE Representatives, their distinguished ancestry, their own journeys, and their aspirations for a better future for indigenous Victorians. Levi will also update us on the exciting news that Treaty negotiations are about to start in 2024.
We’ll finish with learning what we non indigenous Victorians can do to take up The First Peoples’ Assembly invitation to “Walk with us”, and how we become good allies to usefully support this process of Treaty-making here in Victoria and pave the way for all States to follow to enable our country to come together in true reconciliation.

About Levi

Levi Power is a proud Yorta Yorta man of the Dhulanyagan clan. Levi says, “Born, raised and living in Shepparton. I don’t need to look far for inspiration when it comes to Aboriginal activism from our amazing leaders who have paved the way for us to this pivotal time in our history.
I’ve worked in the Treaty space for the past 3 years, engaging with community across the state on a daily basis. This has prepared me for the role. When I hear 'nothing is off the table' when it comes to Treaty negotiations, it inspires me to think big. It’s up to us to shape what that looks like and what the next generation will be born into post Treaty.
I want to see a Victoria where the oldest living culture in the world is embraced and celebrated, and the right history is being taught in schools. A Victoria that values Aboriginal community’s skills and knowledge.
My priority is to make sure our communities voices are being heard. I commit to accessibility and approachability anytime; on the street, at the footy, or over a coffee.”
Read more about him here.