Victoria’s First Peoples’ Assembly has unveiled plans to establish its own educational institute as part of a groundbreaking statewide treaty agreement, the ABC reports. This development marks one of the first tangible outcomes from nine months of intense negotiations between the Victorian Aboriginal body and the state government.
The proposed legislation, which is in its final drafting stages, is expected to be introduced to parliament shortly. While the details of the agreement, including its financial implications, remain confidential, the announcement signals a significant step forward in the treaty process.
The Vision for the First Peoples’ Institute
The First Peoples’ Assembly has revealed intentions to create an Aboriginal-run educational institute, named ‘The First Peoples’ Institute’. This facility aims to provide targeted skills and leadership training specifically for First Peoples. Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg emphasized the importance of developing First Peoples-led organizations to make decisions on Indigenous matters and hold the government accountable.
“Through treaty, we are developing First Peoples’-led organizations to be able to make decisions on First Peoples’ matters, hold government accountable and continue ongoing truth-telling and healing,” Berg stated.
“The educational institute will help address higher education gaps in the Aboriginal community and boost the existing Aboriginal workforce to meet the needs of this new treaty era,” Berg added.
Legislative and Community Implications
The Statewide Treaty Bill, which will enable the necessary legal changes, is anticipated to pave the way for the treaty agreement’s signing later this year. The First Peoples’ Assembly, a democratically elected body of 33 members representing traditional owners across Victoria, expects to gain new powers to create Aboriginal-led initiatives like the proposed institute.
Premier Jacinta Allan has publicly supported the treaty, which is expected to secure an ongoing role and expanded powers for the Assembly. However, the opposition, led by Brad Battin, has expressed reservations, labeling the Assembly a “Victorian Voice to Parliament”.
The Assembly’s announcement of its proposed educational institute indicates a shift towards greater autonomy in creating and funding projects. The cost of the institute remains undisclosed, but it is understood to be funded directly by the Assembly through the treaty agreement.
Expert Opinions and Historical Context
Uncle Alan Brown, a Gunditjmara man and member of the Elders Voice advisory committee, supports the initiative. He likens it to past successful Aboriginal-led education programs such as the Koori Kollij, which he helped establish in the 1980s.
“There are opportunities for Aboriginal people in other areas of the educational system, but this is important because it becomes our own,” Uncle Alan said. “It shouldn’t be feared. It should be embraced.”
Indigenous education academic and Deakin University associate professor Aleryk Fricker views the institute as a step towards addressing educational inequality. He suggests it could set a precedent for future Indigenous-owned higher education institutions.
“This proposal is a long way away from any kind of Indigenous tertiary institution, however it will potentially set a really important precedent for us to have some serious conversations around this reform,” Professor Fricker noted.
Future Outlook and Challenges
As Victoria moves closer to becoming the first Australian state to sign a treaty with traditional owners, the establishment of the First Peoples’ Institute represents a significant milestone. It underscores the commitment to empowering Indigenous communities through education and self-determination.
While the specifics of who might study at the institute remain undecided, Uncle Alan suggests that nothing is off the table, hinting at the possibility of including non-Indigenous people working in the Aboriginal sector.
“You would think nothing’s off the table … why wouldn’t we one day be thinking about what can we do for the rest of Victoria?” he pondered.
The announcement of the First Peoples’ Institute is a testament to the ongoing efforts to rectify historical injustices and build a future where Indigenous Australians can thrive on their own terms.
