On National Close the Gap Day, Professor Kerry Arabena has been appointed to facilitate preliminary talks about what a Treaty with the Ngunnawal people would mean for the ACT’s Indigenous community.

“Treaties are agreements between governments and Traditional Owners, and can include measures to recognise rights and make reparation for the ongoing social, economic and cultural impacts of colonisation,” said Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

She and Chief Minister Andrew Barr met Ngunnawal representatives today to discuss the next step in a Treaty process.

“Ultimately, what a Treaty might look like in the ACT and how we get there is a process that must be led by Traditional Owners and those who have a connection to the lands within the ACT,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Professor Arabena is a descendant of the Meriam people from the Torres Strait. A former social worker with a Doctorate in Environmental Science, she has held senior positions including Chair of Indigenous Health at the University of Melbourne, Executive Director of First 1000 Days Australia, CEO of the Lowitja Institute, and Director of Indigenous Health Research at Monash University.

Internationally, Professor Arabena has held senior positions with Ecohealth International, consulted for the World Health Organisation, is a current Scientific Commissioner on the Lancet Pathfinder project, and completed a Fellows program with the Rockefeller Foundation.

A Director of Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and IgNITE, she holds an honorary professorial position with the University of Melbourne.

The ACT Government committed to begin Treaty conversations in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019–2028, but Ms Stephen-Smith said the process was still at an early stage.

“We have seen from other jurisdictions that Treaty conversations take time, and we know there will be challenges along the way,” she said.

The ACT Government’s $20 million Healing and Reconciliation Fund was established last year to facilitate community healing and self-determination. Supporting the Treaty process is a priority under the Fund.

Indigenous people will lead the discussions over the next months.

“The ACT Government acknowledges the ongoing strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in sustaining the world’s oldest living cultures,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“We recognise that structural change in the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is needed to close the gap, and we remain committed to ongoing action underpinned by the principle of self-determination.”

The Canberra Liberals have welcomed the announcement that a facilitator was appointed to help advance the treaty process in the ACT.

“I have been assured by the minister that conversations will be inclusive, involving traditional custodians and those who claim a connection to the ACT and region,” said Elizabeth Kikkert, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. “The Canberra Liberals support all steps that heal and strengthen the Territory’s Aboriginal community.”