Focus on Far North as Path to Treaty progresses

The Queensland Path to Treaty leaders met with Far North Indigenous community members in what has been described as an exciting step toward reconciliation.

THE spotlight is on the Far North in progress toward reconciliation with Indigenous people with the State’s Path to Treaty committee meeting with community members in Cairns on Thursday.

Cairns was the location for the first of 26 consultation sessions on the first Indigenous treaty two years ago.

Now, the Treaty Advancement Committee, comprising co-chair Dr Jackie Huggins and committee members Dr Josephine Bourne, Professor Michael Lavarch and Dr Sallyanne Atkinson, is meeting in Cairns.

State MP for Cook Cynthia Lui said it was a journey toward sharing culture.

Marun Fourmile performing at a NAIDOC event – he provided a welcome to country in the Minjil language ahead of the Path to Treaty committee meeting in Cairns.

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“This is an important part of the first nation’s agenda and narrative in Queensland, and to be part of the process moving forward is exciting for all first nations people,” she said.

“I think one thing about the treaty is we are giving recognition to all first nations people in all communities; in my community it is quite complex as we have both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and complex issues around remote living.

“This is the best way forward because we will have a direct narrative with government – and when we talk about closing the gap we need to be on the same page, we need to be on the same path, and I think a treaty is the best way forward,” she said.

Ms Lui said it was “nation building work” and ultimately about “truth telling”.

State MP for Cook Cynthia Lui, pictured at a Senate Estimates Committee hearing, said the Path To Treaty process was vitally important.

“It’s been a long time coming, a very long time coming,” she said.

“We can only be a united inclusive society when we are talking off the same script.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said in a speech it was about reframing relationships.

“Treaties are a critical tool in promoting reconciliation and setting the foundation for a new and just relationship – one that acknowledges the ongoing disadvantage that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience and provides a platform for justice, equality and opportunity,” Mr Crawford said.

Marun Fourmile, who provided a welcome to country in the Minjil language ahead of the Path to Treaty committee meeting in Cairns, is of the Waluparra clan and Yidinji nation.

Originally published as Focus on Far North as Path to Treaty progresses