Get Real - Action towards real reconciliation

At the request of peak Victorian Indigenous bodies, ANTaR Vic is supporting their call for justice and real reconciliation for Indigenous Australians in this State.

The Victorian Traditional Owners Land Justice Group (VTOLJG) and Victoria's State-wide and Peak Indigenous NGO's have recently released documents outlining their key concerns and how they can be addressed. ANTaR is in turn asking for YOUR support and action to initiate change based on principles which respect and recognise Indigenous self determination, human rights and culture.

In summary, these principles are:

•  acknowledging the past and its impact on the present

•  self determination and human rights

•  recognising culture as best practice

•  the 'white fella' business - addressing racism and interrogating 'whiteness'

ANTaR Vic calls on all levels of Government, NGOs and community groups to enhance self determination and restore capacity of Indigenous people, and for governments to lead anti-racism campaigns and encourage cultural competency.

Download ANTaR Vic's Get Real campaign summary here

You can take action

•  lobby your local councilors and State/Federal politicians to accept the above principles and develop action plans
•  encourage awareness of Indigenous issues and the need for   reconciliation in your various community groups, schools and  workplaces
•  seek appropriate and respectful relationships with your local Indigenous community, and
•  work with these groups towards a local or regional agreement between the Indigenous community, the various levels of Government, and other non-indigenous organisations to provide appropriate recognition of sovereignty and ownership, and sustained support for services in health, education employment and other aspects of development of the Indigenous community.

And, ask your politicians, organisations and community groups:

• How do you promote the self determination of Indigenous people?
• Do you acknowledge that Indigenous communities have been dispossessed and marginalized by the process of colonisation?
• What are your policies for implementing land justice in Victoria?
• What will your party/organisation do to build the capacity of Indigenous organisations and communities to overcome the effects of marginalization and racism?
  - in relation to health?
  - in relation to developing resilience in Indigenous children young 
  people?
  - in relation to education?
  - in relation to employment?
  - in relation to the justice system?

Further information

Towards a Framework Agreement between The State of Victoria and the Victorian Traditional Owner Land Justice Group (VTOLJG)

A fairer Victoria for Aboriginal communities: a framework for action (Victorian Aboriginal peak and statewide organisations)

ANTaR Vic Get Real election report card & media release 23 Nov 06

What can I do? (ANTaR Victoria)