Victoria is marking a historic milestone with the signing of the first Treaty in Australia – a transformative moment for reconciliation, self-determination, and truth-telling. As this chapter begins, we’re raising the voices of First Peoples artists in prison, sharing powerful reflections on what they hope for their futures.

These artists, as part of our current exhibition Future Dreaming, shared their hopes for a world grounded in peace, healing, and connection to Country.

“A peaceful world, where black and white live as one mob,” envisions Noongar artist LS13.

Patrick H (Wiradjuri) dreams of “a kind world with lots of harmony — and less violence for our future children.”

The Significance of Treaty in Victoria

The Treaty marks an important and historic step forward, while significant it is only one of many along the path towards unity and justice in Australia.

The Treaty was signed between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. It ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can use their knowledge, culture, and local expertise to create outcomes for their people.

Treaty recognises that “Aboriginal people are the experts when it comes to our Country, Culture, and Communities,” as spoken by Ngarra Murray, Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

The signing of the first Treaty offers an opportunity for genuine reconciliation, a destination only reached through listening, collaboration, and respect for First Peoples’ sovereignty.

Hope, Patience and Time

For many First Peoples artists in prison, they understand that meaningful change takes patience, endurance, and collective effort.

“To reach a happy future will take a lot of time and patience,” says Billy J (Wiradjuri). “But when I’m there, I’ll still take my time with it, because you never know what’s around the corner.”

Billy dreams of starting over – to live “happy, proud and free,” on Country with his family and a pet dog, teaching his kids about “the tribes and the animals.”

“Cockatoos live wild and free,” he explains. “Emus and kangaroos too, they roam free and together like family.”

For Gunaikurnai artist P. Boss, his “wildest dream is world peace.” He knows achieving it “will take patience, effort and time.”

The Long Road to Treaty

The journey towards Treaty in Victoria has taken many years of consultation and negotiation. While countries like New Zealand and Canada have long-standing treaties with Indigenous peoples, Australia’s process has required enduring perseverance from First Peoples.

Today’s milestone is the result of nearly a decade of work between the Victorian Government and First Peoples leaders and Elders to pave the way for future agreements and stronger community-led governance.

Looking Ahead: Walking Together Toward the Future

As we celebrate this historic Treaty in Victoria, we do so with cautious hope. The road ahead may still be long before we arrive at a future founded on respect, equality, and shared understanding.

The Torch invites and encourages you to walk forward with hopefulness and determination, learning from the wisdom of First Peoples voices – voices that remind us that real change begins with truth-telling and unity.

Learn more about Treaty in Victoria: firstpeoplesvic.org

Artwork: Brandon R’s (Wurundjeri/Palawa peoples) Dreaming for Change was exhibited as part of Future Dreaming 2023.