Long walk for truth and Victoria's plan for treaty | 7.30

Key Concepts:

• Walk for Truth: A 500km walk from Portland to Melbourne to deliver a message to Parliament about First Peoples' future, aspirations, and struggles.
• Yoorrook Justice Commission: A 4-year inquiry recording the impact of colonization on Indigenous people in Victoria.
• Treaty Advancement Legislation: Legislation passed 7 years prior, making Victoria the first Australian jurisdiction to establish formal state-based treaty negotiations.
• First Peoples' Assembly: A democratically elected body established by the Victorian government to negotiate a treaty.
• Stolen Generations: Indigenous Australians who were removed from their families as children by government agencies and church missions.
• Institutional Harm: Harm caused by institutions implementing government policies with colonial roots.
• Shared Decision-Making: A call for First Nations people to have a greater role in decision-making processes.

1. The Walk for Truth

• Travis Loveit, Deputy Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, led a 25-day, 500-kilometer "Walk for Truth" from Portland (the site of Victoria's first European settlement) to the Parliament in Melbourne.
• The purpose was to deliver a message about the future, aspirations, and struggles of First Peoples to a Parliament that has historically controlled and segregated their lives.
• The walk symbolized a connection to the land and a strong voice for Indigenous people.
• The march began with a few hundred people in Portland and grew to several thousand by the time it reached Melbourne.

2. Yoorrook Justice Commission and its Inquiry

• The Yoorrook Justice Commission is concluding a 4-year inquiry into the impact of colonization on Indigenous people in Victoria.
• The commission seeks accountability from institutions for the "institutional harm" caused by implementing discriminatory government policies.
• The current systems are still informed and embedded by their colonial roots.
• The final report aims to influence treaty negotiations and future cultural fabric.
• Commissioners have expressed disappointment that previous recommendations regarding the child protection and criminal justice systems have been ignored.
• The commission will now push for greater focus on education, health, housing, economic and political life, and shared decision-making with First Nations people.
• The commission hopes its recommendations will be implemented.

3. Treaty Negotiations and the First Peoples' Assembly

• Victoria is the first Australian jurisdiction to establish formal state-based negotiations for a treaty, following the passing of treaty advancement legislation 7 years prior.
• The Victorian government established the democratically elected First Peoples' Assembly to negotiate the treaty.
• The community strongly believes that treaty cannot happen without truth.
• The government hopes to reach an agreement on a treaty by mid next year.

4. Lionel Darkus and the Stolen Generations

• Lionel Darkus, a survivor of the Stolen Generations, participated in the Walk for Truth.
• He spent his childhood in institutions and foster homes, experiencing significant trauma and negative messaging about his identity.
• Lionel now owns a successful business and prioritizes expressing love to his children and grandchildren, something he lacked as a child.
• His participation in the walk is seen as creating a legacy for future generations.
• Lionel's experience highlights the devastating impact of the Stolen Generations and the importance of healing and reconciliation.
• Quote: "When you're told every day of your life pretty much you're a useless black fellow you won't amount to anything it's yeah it doesn't give much hope sort of thing."

5. Key Arguments and Perspectives

• The central argument is that historical injustices and colonial policies continue to impact Indigenous people in Victoria.
• The Yoorrook Justice Commission aims to address these injustices by holding institutions accountable and advocating for systemic change.
• The treaty negotiations represent an opportunity to transform the future and empower First Nations people.
• The Walk for Truth symbolizes the resilience and determination of Indigenous people to have their voices heard.
• The perspective is that truth-telling is essential for reconciliation and building a better future for all Australians.
• Quote: "Parliament since 1856 has made decisions that have controlled and segregated first people's lives and but it's also the place where we can transform our future" - Travis Loveit

6. Synthesis/Conclusion

The Walk for Truth and the Yoorrook Justice Commission's work represent significant steps towards addressing historical injustices and empowering First Nations people in Victoria. The focus on truth-telling, accountability, and treaty negotiations aims to create a more equitable and just future. While challenges remain, the commitment to shared decision-making and systemic change offers hope for a better Australia for all. The ability for First Peoples to hold the pen and tell their own history through the Royal Commission process marks a turning point in Australia's history.