Treaty yeah, the history of the 1988 Barunga Statement

WHAT IS THE BARUNGA STATEMENT?

* The Barunga Statement called for First Nations rights, including self-determination and treaty.

* It was painted and signed at the Barunga Festival in 1988 and presented to then prime minister Bob Hawke by Northern Land Council chair Yunupingu and Central Land Council chair Wenten Rubuntja.

* Mr Hawke responded by promising a treaty by 1990.

* The statement combines Aboriginal symbolism from northern and central Australia and a translation into English, signalling collaboration and communication across cultures.

* The Barunga Statement was a product of decades of engagement between Aboriginal leaders in the Northern Territory and the federal government.

* Yothu Yindi wrote the hit song Treaty about the Barunga Statement and Mr Hawke's promise that disappeared "just like writing in the sand".

WHAT IS THE BARUNGA VOICE DECLARATION?

* The Barunga Voice Declaration calls on all Australians to vote 'yes' in the upcoming referendum on a First Nations voice.

* It was signed by representatives of the four NT land councils and presented to Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney on Friday at the 2023 Barunga Festival.