For 15 years Dreamtime at the ‘G has served as a celebration of Indigenous culture.
Richmond, this year used the powerful platform to support the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission’s initiatives to engage the Victorian Aboriginal community in opportunities to participate in the Treaty process.
The Treaty logo held a prominent spot on the Tigers’ special Dreamtime jumper worn in the AFL, VFL and VFLW on Saturday, and a Treaty marquee was proudly set up at the Swinburne Centre.
Treaty messages were visible all over the MCG on Saturday night with on-field signage and a video played on the big screen encouraging Aboriginal Victorians to participate in the Treaty process.
The Tigers’ banner read the message “Richmond supports Treaty. It’s time.”
Richmond President, Peggy O’Neal, followed that sentiment, labeling Treaty as the future of Victoria.
“The Richmond Football Club is proud to have a long commitment to Indigenous people, and we are always looking to do what we can to support them,” she said.
“What we can do right now is partner with Jill Gallagher and her Commission, and use the Sir Doug Nicholls Round to help educate Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people about the Treaty process.
“Indigenous people tell us that self-determination is important to them, so self-determination is important to us. This is a step to work with the Victorian Advancement Committee to advance Treaty.”
The vote to decide which Victorian Traditional Owners make up the Assembly to develop ground rules for Treaty negotiations will take place between July 8-21.
The Assembly will develop the ground rules for Treaty negotiations. It will be the voice for Aboriginal people during the next stage of the Treaty process.
All eligible Victorian Aboriginal people are encouraged to have their say in the Treaty process for Victoria, and enrol to vote in the First People’s Assembly of Victoria election. firstpeoplesvic.org
