In line with our vision of building a just society, Jesuit Social Services strongly supports the Victorian Treaty process. Recently, Jesuit Social Services asked First Peoples Assembly of Victoria to deliver an information session on Victoria’s Treaty process to staff.
At Jesuit Social Services we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Jesuit Social Services recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country never ceded sovereignty and have long called for Treaty. Victoria is the first state to enter into Treaty negotiations.
We understand that Treaty is an important step to addressing the historical and ongoing harms of colonisation and finding a pathway towards self-determination – the meaningful transfer of power and resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to control matters which impact their lives.
First Peoples Assembly of Victoria is the democratically elected body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Treaty process. Engagement Officers from the First Peoples Assembly, James Thomson, proud Yorta Yorta man, and Allira Dryden, proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, presented to Jesuit Social Services staff recently on how the Assembly is working with the Victorian Government to negotiate Treaty.