2012 Reconciliation Forum
and Reconciliation Victoria and
ANTaR Victoria AGMs
Saturday 10th November, Koorie
Heritage Trust, 295 King St,
Melbourne
I would like to acknowledge that this gathering here today is being held on
the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations and I
wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Custodians.
I would also like to pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the
Elders from other communities who may be here today.”
Relationships with Aboriginal people and
groups
John Baxter
Member – Stolen Generation
Co-Chair, Koorie Night Market
Victorian Representative – First Peoples Disability Network
Member - Reconciliation Manningham
Member – Whitehorse Friends for Reconciliation
Member – Victorian Aboriginal Disability Network
Support Member - Local Indigenous Network (Outer East)
Member - Whitehorse Reconciliation Action Committee
Member – Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria
Uncle John (has he is known to his family) is a proud Latji Latji / Narungga man born in
Robinvale (North, West Victoria) separated from family at three weeks old for
medical reasons, however not reunited with his family until in his late teens.
Building mutually supportive relationships with
the Aboriginal community
The journey
• Understanding.
Aboriginal customs and law
Country
Cultural
Protocol
Tradition
• Respect.
Be a good listener
Know your place
You may be the smartest person in the room, however . . .
It’s your way, it’s our way.
• Be involved.
Get to know people
Attend events and functions
Become a familiar face
Assist and support
Know the issues
• Input.
Your opinion counts
Your involvements means a lot
See it through
Be a good learner
Actions speak louder than words