The inaugural River Ramble for Reconciliation will take place on the banks of the Maribyrnong next weekend.
Organised by Justice Action Maribyrnong (JAM), the community walk will begin at Grimes Reserve in Footscray at 10am on Sunday, June 1.
“The event is aimed at promoting the awareness of the reconciliation journey towards treaty and beyond,” said JAM spokesperson and event organiser John Chadderton who argued that the defeat of the Voice referendum in 2023 didn’t mean the reconciliation process was over.
“The referendum was on stage in this process which unfortunately was lost, but nonetheless, truth telling and treaty is continuing,” he said, adding that truth telling and treaty were about acknowledging the impact of colonisation of Aboriginal people and seeking a just outcome.
“The idea ( the walk) is to show continued support for the reconciliation process and raise awareness about the current treaty discussions which are underway in Victoria,” Mr Chadderton said.
“In some states the governments have stepped back from treaty and truth telling (following the referendum defeat) However in Victoria, this work continues.”
The free event will feature a welcome to country and a yarn from Bunurong man and member of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria, Robert Ogden.
The walk will then proceed to the Footscray Rowing Club and back and is expected to be finished by 1pm.
Mr Chadderton said more than 100 people had already registered to walk and encouraged others thinking of coming along to also register so organisers could keep track of numbers.
Details: https://events.humanitix.com/river-ramble-for-reconciliation
