Treaty-Based Knowledge Exchange

The symposium, facilitated by Dr Latoya Aroha Rule, was attended by a distinguished cohort, including Emeritus Professor Michael McDaniel AO, UTS Elder in-Residence Aunty Glendra Stubbs OAM, representatives from the Australian Human Rights Commission, alongside UTS Indigenous staff and students, and community members.  

Dayle Takitimu presented extensive insights drawn from over twenty years of legal, education and treaty-based work. Her presentation offered vital lessons on the foundations and current positioning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi from a Māori perspective, highlighting the importance of creative storywork in sovereign governance and treaty design, and emphasised strategic treaty partnerships between Indigenous peoples across continents.

Reflecting on the Australian context, Tony McAvoy SC and Jumbunna Director Lindon Coombes spoke on elements of truth-telling and treaty-making processes within Indigenous Affairs over the course of the past 30+ years. Their contributions highlighted the necessity for structural reform within institutional settings. Additionally, Aunty Glendra Stubbs OAM grounded the day in the essential wisdom of lived expertise and cultural continuity.

The gathering was timely, offering critical dialogue on the implementation of treaty-based governance and the advancement of Indigenous rights, especially here in New South Wales.

We deeply thank Jumbunna admin staff, especially Sharidan, Ruth and Georgie, for all of their support with organising the event.