Calls for Treaty at Black Parliament

22 December, 2017

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has renewed calls for a Treaty during discussions at a Black Parliament event at the NSW Parliament House.

Image: Josh Ridgeway, OurMob

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said a treaty is a central part of the peak Land Rights body’s Strategic Plan and would be a practical way to deepen Aboriginal participation in the economy.

“As a delegate to the First Nations National Constitutional Convention at Uluru in May, I heard a clear message that our people are ready to take the next steps which we believe should lead to a Treaty in New South Wales.

NSWALC Councillors Dennis and Ah-See. Image: Josh Ridgeway, OurMob

“Today is not about prescribing a model for a Treaty but the start of a conversation – at community level with our membership, with Aboriginal peoples and with all sides of politics.”

“The process towards a Treaty also represents a chance to heal the past and build on the constructive relationship between the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and government.”

NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Sarah Mitchell. Image: Josh Ridgeway, OurMob
Image: Josh Ridgeway, OurMob
Image: Josh Ridgeway, OurMob

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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