Australians and New Zealanders Weigh the Pros and Cons of Indigenous Treaty Proposals

The concept of indigenous treaties has been gaining traction in both Australia and New Zealand, with proponents arguing that such agreements are crucial for reconciliation and redress. However, critics argue that these proposals are premature or unworkable.

Indigenous Treaty Proposals: A Comparison Across Nations

Australia held a referendum on its proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which aimed to give Indigenous Australians a greater say in the country’s governance. The outcome was disappointing, with 60% of voters rejecting the proposal. In New Zealand, no treaty has ever been settled between indigenous and the crown.

**The Uluru Statement: A Turning Point for Australia**

In 2017, the Uluru Statement offered a roadmap for reconciliation, emphasizing the need for Indigenous voices to be heard in parliament. While not a formal treaty, the statement represents a significant shift in attitudes towards Indigenous rights in Australia.

Uluru Statement reads at the bottom: “In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard.”

The United States has a long history of treaties with Native American tribes. In fact, there are more than 300 treaties between individual tribes and the US. However, the country stopped treaty making in 1871, instead opting for trust obligations.

**Penobscot Nation: A Success Story**

The Penobscot Nation in Maine has made significant strides in recent years, with improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. The tribe now has its own judicial branch, legislative branch, law enforcement, housing, education, and health care departments.

“We’re doing quite well, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation.

Indigenous Treaty Proposals: Lessons from Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have both made significant progress in recent years, but their journey towards indigenous treaty proposals has been marked by challenges.

Fundamentally, our treaty has yet to be fully honoured,” said Green MP Huhana Matthews of Te Tai Tokerau. Without these protections, it’s very difficult for us to talk about any further agreement, because we’re not getting our fundamental agreement in place, strong, and locked in.”

In New Zealand, the treaty rights of Indigenous Canadian tribes were constitutionally protected, but their treaty has yet to be fully honoured.

**The Path Forward: A Shared Vision**

While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, there remains a shared vision among nations for reconciliation and redress. The Penobscot Nation’s success story offers hope for other indigenous communities, while Australia and New Zealand continue to navigate their complex relationships with Indigenous peoples.

A successful Voice campaign would have been the first step towards the creation of a treaty in Australia. In New Zealand, no treaty has ever been settled between indigenous and the crown.

The journey towards reconciliation is long and arduous, but it is one that requires our collective attention and commitment. As we move forward, we must remember the lessons of history and the struggles of those who have come before us.