Native America Calling: Australia provides a promising model treaty for Indigenous recognition and self-determination

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Native America Calling: Australia provides a promising model treaty for Indigenous recognition and self-determination

Thursday, November 6, 2025

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Australia provides a promising model treaty for Indigenous recognition and self-determination

The Aboriginal people of Australia are on the precipice of cementing a historic agreement with the state of Victoria, one that could provide a blueprint for recognizing Indigenous peoples and incorporating their voices and cultures into the political process going forward.

The treaty is a first for Australia and comes after years of research, negotiation, and a failed political referendum in 2023. Among other things, those crafting the treaty look to avoid the pitfalls of federal treaties with Native Americans and First Nations peoples of Canada.

Tune into Native America Calling to hear from those who worked to make the Statewide Treaty Bill happen and what about their hopes and concerns following this historic action.

A Smoking Ceremony for the Statewide Treaty Bill takes place at the Parliament House in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on October 14, 2025. Photo: Parliament of Victoria

Guests on Native America Calling

Dr. Julian Rawiri Kusabs (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Maru [Hauraki], and Tainui), research fellow at the University of Melbourne in Australia

Nikki Moodie (Gomeroi, Kamilaroi, and Gamilaraay), professor at the University of Melbourne in Australia

Travis Lovett (Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, Boandik), inaugural executive director of the Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue at the University of Melbourne in Australia

Lidia Thorpe, Independent Senator for Victoria and represents the Blak Sovereign Movement