Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay First Nations allies are encouraged to hear about the progress of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria’s treaty negotiations at an upcoming forum in Footscray next month.
The forum will be held at the Footscray Community Arts Centre on Thursday, February 9 from 6pm to 7.30pm.
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria created a Self-Determination Fund to generate wealth and help Traditional Owners prepare for Treaty negotiations in Victoria last November.
Respected Aboriginal leader and former Treaty Advancement Commissioner Gunditjmara woman Jill Gallagher made the foundational donation of $100 to kickstart the fund.
Assembly co-chair and Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation Marcus Stewart said Assembly Members had not wasted any time in bringing the agreement to life, with the state government to provide an initial down payment of $65 million.
“The Self-Determination Fund will be a real game-changer as it will empower Traditional Owner groups to do things their way and let us start to bridge the economic divide that colonisation has inflicted on our people,” he said.
Assembly co-chair and Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson said the design of the Fund would ensure it is always managed by First People for First People.
“I think we’ve struck a really good balance,” she said.
Free food, tea and coffee will be available at the event.
Details: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/treaty-community-forum-footscray-tickets-493259802347 or JamesT@firstpeoplesvic.org
