Right past wrongs: States take first steps towards Indigenous treaties

Communities across Australia have had their say, as a panel takes its first steps towards negotiating treaties with First Nations people.

First Peoples' Assembly members pose for a photograph during the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria inaugural meeting. Source: AAP

Various states are taking major steps towards a treaty which would formally weave Indigenous culture into plans for their future.

At the helm is Aboriginal academic and author Dr Jackie Huggins.

Jackie Huggins represents more than 9,000 individuals and 180 organisations as the co-chair of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples. Source: NITV

She is co-chair of the panel consulting Queensland communities under a broader plan to negotiate treaties with the state's First Nations people.

"This is something that our community has been talking about for decades now, and to see that achieved would personally be a dream come true for me," Dr Huggins said.

"This process will take a long time, but I'm confident that future generations will carry it through."

Treaties are used to right past wrongs, and can redefine the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australia.

It also changes the relationship between governments and First Nations people and removes obstacles to practising cultural customs such as hunting... Australia is the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with its First Nations people.

Back in July, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced her government would begin its own treaty process, making Queensland the latest state behind Victoria and South Australia.

"It promotes and supports self-determination, truth-telling, local decision-making, and better life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders," she said at the time.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at a press conference Source: AAP

"We believe that a path to treaty will benefit all Queenslanders and help promote reconciliation, foster a shared pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and help heal the wounds of the past."

Dr Huggins, a Bidjara and Birri Gubba Juru woman, says negotiating a treaty or multiple treaties in Queensland will take years, but is critical to creating better opportunities for the next generation.

Aboriginal cultural items on display inside the Legislative Council of Victoria. (AAP) Source: AAP

"It is your responsibility to carry on the legacy and do your very best to fight the injustice, and I think that's certainly handed down to younger people," Dr Huggins said.

"We will always have a job to do in Aboriginal affairs for the rest of our lives because there is still so much unfinished business to take care of."

The First Peoples' Assembly held an inaugural meeting on Monday at The Parliament of Victoria and engaged in significant discussions.

Aboriginal cultural items were displayed inside the Legislative Assembly.

Aboriginal cultural items on display inside the Legislative Council of Victoria. (AAP) Source: AAP

Elders have warned this meeting threatens to inflict emotional and spiritual distress that will poison the assembly and treaty.