• S03-E17: Victorian Government continues to ignore First Nations on cultural matter
    Nov 22 2024

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    In this episode of the VAN Talks podcast, VAN’s Charles Pakana talks with CEO of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations, Paul Paton. They discuss the clear lack of consultation from the Victorian Government with Traditional Owners on the matter of baiting and trapping the culturally important and significant dingo.

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    18 mins
  • S03-E16: Reflecting on five years of Treaty work with Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg
    Nov 19 2024

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    Nearly six years ago, I traveled across Victoria shadowing Aunty Jill Gallagher, then the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner, and catching up with numerous traditional owners who had stepped forward as candidates for election to the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria. During that time, just about five and a half years ago, I met up with one of those candidates at his home in one of Melbourne's outer suburbs. Today, almost on the eve of the commencement of a negotiation between state government and Victoria and Aboriginal people, I'm once again sitting in the home of that same man who is now one of the two co-chairs of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, Gunditjmara man, Reuben Berg.


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    24 mins
  • S03-E15: Bringing Aboriginal cultural safety and influences into the education system
    Nov 8 2024

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    In this episode VAN's Charles Pakana sits down for a yarn with Aboriginal reform advocate and activist, Bunurong woman Zoe Upton. Together they discuss topics ranging from engaging with Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups, increasing the number of First Nations teachers in the system, supporting identity and the role of allies and collaborators. A must-listen episode for anyone wanting to bring about change in the education system.

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    22 mins
  • S03-E14: Victoria's dingoes barely protected under legislation
    Nov 4 2024

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    As we continue our deep dive into the Victorian Government's decision to extend the unprotection order on dingoes up until 2028, VAN's Charles Pakana travels to Apollo Bay to speak to Yuin man and academic, Dr Jack Pascoe. In this interview, the two discuss the implications of Victoria's key piece of archaic wildlife legislation that is nearing its 50th anniversary.

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    20 mins
  • S03-E13: The science and facts supporting the need to protect Victorian dingo populations
    Oct 23 2024

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    As we continue pursuing the facts behind the Victorian Government's strange decision to extend an Order in Council, taking unprotection of dingoes across much of the state through to 2028, VAN's Charles Pakana sits with with Professor Euan Ritchie, one of Australia's foremost environmental scientists. Together they discuss the science behind the need for the dingo, and practical ways in which livestock can be protected without the need for poisons and leg-traps.

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    26 mins
  • S03-E12: Bringing Aboriginal culture into our daily lives
    Oct 20 2024

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    In this episode VAN’s Charles Pakana sits down with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural educator Thane Garvey to discuss ways in which Aboriginal culture - language, caring for country, etc. - can be brought into our day-to-day lives.

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    22 mins
  • S03-E11: The harsh reality of "black-cladding" of businesses
    Oct 17 2024

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    While a growing number of people and businesses seek to support Blak businesses, there is an unfortunate prevalence of businesses following a practice of "black cladding" to rip off the unaware

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    21 mins
  • S03-E10: One year on from the referendum - a yarn with Thomas Mayo
    Oct 13 2024

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    Ever the optimist and activist, exactly one year on from the failed referendum to achieve a First Nations Voice in our Constitution, Thomas Mayo speaks about his book Always Was Always Will Be and his ongoing encouragement for all Australians to work together for a better and more just country

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    22 mins