Treaty Yeah!

Well I heard it on the radio
And I saw it on the television

I’m sure many of you can instantly hear Mandawuy Yunupingu’s strident voice leading Yothu Yindi in the iconic 1991 protest song Treaty.

Treaty Yeah!
Treaty Now!

And if you’re tuned into the news tonight, you’ll be hearing that word again and again. Because, more than 30 years after Yothu Yindi’s song was released, we’re finally seeing the first official Treaty process on this continent – and it’s happening right here in Victoria.

Today the First Peoples’ Assembly and the Victorian Government formally commenced negotiations for Treaty. Over the year ahead they will negotiate what will be the first of multiple treaties covering the lands we now know as Victoria.

Support this treaty not just with words, but with action: Historic Treaty negotiations to begin in Victoria

National Indigenous Times

A smoking ceremony marked the official opening declaration of Treaty talks between the First Peoples' Assembly and the Victorian government on Thursday.

First Nations have been calling for change over many generations. I was still in school when Yothu Yindi’s Treaty was released. I didn’t realise at the time that this was the first song by a First Nations band to break into Australian and international music charts, but I couldn’t fail to notice the potent political message.

This land was never given up
This land was never bought and sold

Three years earlier, as Australia marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet, Yunupingu’s older brother had presented Prime Minister Bob Hawke with the Barunga Statement.

It was a call for justice and respect on behalf of all First Nations peoples, and Hawke responded with a promise to negotiate a nationwide treaty by 1990. But it never happened.

Back in 1988
All those talking politicians
Words are easy, words are cheap
Much cheaper than our priceless land

The righteous anger in Yunupingu’s words have inspired First Nations people and their allies for a generation since. The fire has been kept alive and today it burns brighter with hope.

So what is Treaty, and what does it mean for our state? It’s best to listen to the voices of Aboriginal people themselves, so we recommend this great explainer from the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Treaty Explainer

First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

While Treaty will be negotiated between First Nations and Government representatives, we all have a role to play. The Victorian government is elected by, and accountable to, all Victorians. So they need to know that we back Treaty.

We know there will be scare campaigns. We know there will be questions and there will be doubts. We can all help to allay fears and build support for Treaty.

Environment Victoria stands proudly, shoulder to shoulder, with the Assembly and with every First Nations person in their pursuit of truth, treaty and voice.

As an environmental organisation, we have seen the good that comes to native plants and animals when First Nations have the right to care for and heal country.

First Nations have been fighting against destruction and pollution of their land and waters from the very beginning, and the best and most successful campaigns to protect nature have often involved deep collaboration with Traditional Owners.

And as allies, we understand the simple logic of the cry “nothing about us, without us.” When it comes to what works for First Peoples’ communities, cultures and lands, the experts are, of course, First Peoples.

We cannot change the past, but we can choose our future together.