A very special D4D event this month where we welcome Aboriginal leader Rodney Carter who will explore what a treaty with Indigenous Australians means, and why it is important from a Traditional Owner’s perspective.

Rodney is a Dja Dja Wurrung / Yorta Yorta man and CEO of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. In 2013 Dja Dja Wurrung entered a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria which recognises the Dja Dja Wurrung (or ‘Jaara’) people as the Traditional Owners of Country from north of the Great Dividing Range near Daylesford, to Castlemaine, Bendigo, Avoca, Boort and more. The agreement settles native title claims dating back to 1998, acknowledges past wrongs and seeks a new partnership between Dja Dja Wurrung and the State.

However it was only a first step.

In February 2016, Aboriginal people in Victoria called on the Victorian Government to negotiate a treaty.
Since then, work towards self-determination and treaty has been led in partnership between the Victorian Government and the Aboriginal community which aims to empower Aboriginal communities to achieve long-term generational change and improved outcomes.

The first step on the pathway to treaty is for Aboriginal Victorians to decide who should represent the community and who can, and should, negotiate a treaty on their behalf.

At the same time, this year’s Uluru ‘statement from the heart’ seeks constitutional reforms to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take a rightful place in their own country. It calls for, among other things, the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution.

It is an fascinating time for our country. A time of potential, a time of change.

Come along and hear Rodney’s perspective on what it’s all about. And maybe you will be inspired to think about what role you can play. After all, it is about all of us.

Food & drink: People are welcome to arrive any time from 7pm, grab a drink, and have a yarn before we start. Dinner will be available to order at the venue (pub or restaurant TBC) prior to event start.

Start time: Start time for conversation is 7.30pm.

Location: Castlemaine, TBC.

Late bookings. If you are booking after November 26th, please contact Bryn on 0419 541 932 with number of tickets requested and he will contact you if there are spots available.

Cancellations: If you grab a ticket and have a change of plans, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite. Alternatively, contact lexi.lestrange@gmail.com prior to November 26th to cancel. Changes after 26th contact Bryn via the phone number above.

Suggested reading:

• Download the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition Statement hereor read it on their website.
• Uluru ‘statement from the heart’ 
• Treaty vs. Recognition – the importance of self determination (Luke Pearson, IndigenousX).
• The whitesplainer-in-chief on the undesirable Uluru Statement
 (Guardian)
• Indigenous recognition: Turnbull Government’s rejection of Uluru Statement from the heart indefensible

 (ABC)
• History made as first Aboriginal person addresses the Victorian Cabinet to Support Treaty
 (Aboriginal Victoria)