Elder treaty talks held in Wodonga as part of treaty process

About 15 elders from North East communities met in Wodonga yesterday for a workshop about the "voice" they will put forward to the First People's Assembly of Victoria.

The assembly is working to establish a treaty between Aboriginal people and the Victorian Government, with Australia one of the only Commonwealth countries without a treaty.

The Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission says such a move is not about blame but "attempting to right the wrongs", and a way to promote fundamental human rights.

Organiser Karen Milward said yesterday's gathering, which ran for about three hours, was a constructive way to see how the views of elders would be put forward.

"Everyone has different views on what that looks like," she said.

"We're having discussions and finding out what people think about that.

"We're also having discussions on eldership and what it means to be an elder, and who should actually be represented as part of an elders' voice."

The workshop was one of many to be held across the state.

Ms Milward said having the input of elders into the treaty process was vital.

"Traditionally we always seek the wisdom of people who are in the know, and have the knowledge of traditional cultural practices and how we should all work effectively together," she said.

"They advise us on what needs to happen.

"We have to show that respect to our elders."

She said the push towards a treaty is likely to take years, but believes it would put Indigenous people on par with other Australians and give greater input into decision making.

Organiser Sioeli Latu said many at the Wodonga meeting wanted to see Aboriginal youth becoming more involved.

"It's important they're part of the process," he said.

"That can can have flow-on benefits through building skills and passing on that knowledge and culture."

Ms Milward said it had been interesting to listen to the input of those in attendance.

"It was absolutely fantastic just listening to the elders talk about where they've been and the struggles they've worked through, and how resilient they are now," she said.