Australia is the only Commonwealth country that does not have a treaty with its Indigenous citizens.
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Though it has been attempting to take historic steps towards reconciliation with Indigenous people, more needs to be done as far as "extremely proud" Yuin woman Mishelle Toms is concerned.
"I generally believe that having no treaty is at the centre of all our wounds," Miss Toms said.
"It means that they are still denying that our ancestors are the first nation of people, that they were here first.
"And it just proves the lack of engagement in communication between the government, indigenous and non-indigenous people."
Miss Toms, who grew up in a small town in Bermagui but now lives in Shellharbour, is the ambassador for Illawarra Centre for Enablement's (ICE) latest Finished & Unfinished Business 2020 series event.
Substantive Constitutional Recognition of First Nations' event will be held at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow on Thursday, March 19 from 7-9pm.
A number of Indigenous leaders from the Northern Territory, Queensland and Sydney will form a panel on the night to discuss 'the status of an enshrined constitutional voice for Australia's indigenous people'.
The panel will explore why is a constitutionally enshrined Voice important to recognition, treaty-making and truth-telling.
They will also discuss is the Federal Government's policy of co-design to develop an Indigenous Voice enabling long-lasting substantial and enduring change for First Nations?
ICE founder and director Dr Diann Rodgers-Healey will act as moderator on the night.
Dr Rodger-Healey was particularly pleased Marcia Ella-Duncan was joining the expert Indigenous panel on March 19.
Ms Ella-Duncan is a Member of the Co-design Senior Advisory Group appointed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indigenous Minister, Ken Wyatt.
Ms Ella-Duncan was the first Indigenous women to represent Australia in Netball and has been inducted into the Netball Australia and Netball NSW Halls of Fame.
She will be joining Indigenous leaders Thomas Mayor, Teela Reid; Charline Emzin-Boyd and Illawarra Elder Richard Davis.
Uncle Richard is the Chair of the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation.
"The event is a great opportunity for the Aboriginal community and non-Aboriginal community to come together to talk about the issues of Aboriginal recognition, the constitution and whether the right way is to aim for a treaty," Uncle Richard said.
"I'm happy to have a treaty if it is going to deliver outcomes in the way of housing, health and education. A treaty has to deliver and be more than just another document that promises the world but delivers little."
In 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart presented the Indigenous consensus position on Indigenous constitutional recognition and asked for two reforms: 1) a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and 2) a Makarrata Commission, which could be set up by legislation.
Dr Rodgers-Healey said in October 2017, the then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull rejected the Indigenous voice to parliament proposed in the Uluru statement, saying it is neither "desirable or capable of winning acceptance at referendum".
I generally believe that having no treaty is at the centre of all our wounds.
- Mishelle Toms
Fast forward to 2019 where Indigenous Minister Ken Wyatt has called on the Co-design Senior Advisory Committee to "develop options for an Indigenous voice to government".
ICE is inviting communities in the Illawarra to discuss these developments and explore what needs to happen to enable long-lasting substantial and enduring change for First Nations, to strengthen the future of Australia's relationship with its Indigenous people.
High school students in years 10-12 and current undergraduate UOW students can attend the event for free.
Tickets cost $20 and $15 and can be purchased at https://indigenouspanel.eventbrite.com.au
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
