Jordan Edwards to discuss importance of treaty

THE University of the Third Age (U3A) SurfCoast is inviting the community to its annual general meeting to hear Jordan Edwards speak about the importance of a treaty with First Peoples.

Mr Edwards, a proud Keerraywurrung, Waddawurrung and Aranda man from Geelong, is the youngest of the 33 representatives voted to be part of the state government’s new First People’s Assembly.

Mr Edwards said having a treaty was crucial in building relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“A treaty is a very important step towards hopefully one day reconciling together,” he said.

The assembly met for the first time late last year to begin the process of creating a treaty.

Mr Edwards said initial discussions had been productive despite some inevitable disagreements.

“We’ve had some bumps and bruises, and there will continue to be more bumps and bruises along the way, but it has been okay so far.”

He also noted Australia is well behind other Commonwealth nations in forming a treaty.

“We’re the only Commonwealth country that doesn’t have a treaty with its First Nations people. In saying that we aren’t doing that with the Commonwealth, we’re doing it with the state government.”

New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and several hundred Maori chiefs in 1840. Other Commonwealth nations such as Canada and the United States of America have treaties dating back even further.

U3A SurfCoast’s AGM will be held at the Surf Coast Shire offices on March 19, with Mr Edwards giving the Welcome to Country at 2.30pm and beginning his talk at 3pm.

People who wish to attend must RSVP by Monday, March 16 by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0435 374 139.