The Federation supports the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria in its historic advocacy for Treaty in Victoria, that will improve the shared future of First Nations Peoples and all Victorians.
The Federation's Pledge reflects our commitment to ‘walk with [First Nations Peoples] in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’ (Uluru Statement from the Heart) in the journey toward Treaty. We have considered deeply how we pledge ourselves in a way that is purposeful, connected, and steadfast to our values. We recognise that words alone are not enough — a pledge must be grounded in action, accountability, and solidarity. That is why we have shaped a pledge that honours the leadership of First Nations Peoples aligns with the aspirations of the communities we serve, and holds us to the highest standards of justice, respect and truth.
THE PROBLEM
"We might be strong, resilient and deadly, but as only one percent of the population, it can be challenging for First Peoples to wield political clout. So, in addition to building our own collective strength, the assembly is also keen to provide our allies with ways to strengthen our position." - FIRST PEOPLES' ASSEMBLY
THE SOLUTION
As an ally, the Federation will step up to strengthen public awareness and support for Treaty. We will do this by listening deeply to VALS, Djirra, and the First Peoples' Assembly, and responding to their calls to action. Our first action is to make a meaningful and public Pledge in support of Treaty.
OUR PLEDGE
- We pledge to honour and uplift the knowledge, culture and lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, listening deeply to First Nations Peoples as truth holders and amplifying their knowledge across the community legal sector.
- We pledge to show up in solidarity with VALS, Djirra and Aboriginal communities, fostering trust, reciprocity and long-term allyship, challenging power imbalances and supporting self-determination.
- We pledge to walk together to support and encourage every community legal centre to embed cultural safety as a foundation of justice, so that First Nations Peoples are safe, heard, respected and empowered across our sector.
- We pledge to unite the collective voice of the community legal sector in steadfast and purposeful support of Treaty.
- We believe in First Nations justice and pledge to back First Nations Peoples and communities with visible and meaningful action.
FRIENDS OF TREATY
Information about Friends of Treaty is available here on the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria website. Any questions contact [email protected]
