A 'colonial power structure' will be transformed for the first meeting of Victoria's First Peoples' Assembly which will shape Indigenous treaty negotiations in the state.
The elected members will meet on December 10 and 11 in Victorian Parliament’s Upper House chamber, which will be modified to reflect the cultural business taking place.
Jill Gallagher, the Victorian treaty advancement commissioner, said the occasion would showcase the state’s Aboriginal culture.
"We have an opportunity as Aboriginal people to showcase to the world that we can do this," Ms Gallagher told NITV News.
“It's going to be a lot of cultural ceremony, especially on the first day. The chamber will be dressed to reflect Aboriginal cultures throughout Victoria."
The meeting will involve the 32 elected representatives electing a chair, or co-chairs, and an executive. They will also be invited to make their first speeches.
“Parliament House is the centre of power in this state. It is fitting that our assembly shares the same stage,” Ms Gallagher said.
Elected representatives of the assembly will be announced later this month.
