Historic manuscripts shine a light on truth-telling and treaty in Victoria

‘The technical term for treaty is two parties to come together and strike an understanding, a contract of sorts, and a promise of sorts. And a treaty incorporates peace, that’s what it stands for’ Ringo Terrick, Wurundjeri Elder, Camp Sovereignty. 

The original treaty documents marked by John Batman and Victorian Aboriginal leaders in June 1835, will go on display as a part of a new exhibition, Treaty, presented by the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre (VIRC) at State Library Victoria and curated by Stacie Piper. 

Treaty is an exhibition about the past, present and future, featuring significant manuscripts, colonial artefacts and interviews about what treaty, voice and truth telling means to Victoria’s Aboriginal people today: it is a conversation. The exhibition comes at a time when the Victorian Aboriginal community is set to begin historic treaty talks with the State Government – an Australian first.

At the centre of Treaty is Batman’s transaction with Victorian Aboriginal leaders, often called the Melbourne Deed and Geelong Deed, which negotiated the purchase of a tract of country 40 miles in length or 500,000 acres in the Melbourne area and along the western arm of Port Phillip Bay including Geelong, in exchange for consumable goods, personal supplies and clothing, with an additional yearly payment in this manner, or tribute of similar goods.  

As a treaty, these documents no longer hold any legal value and are highly contested. The manuscripts raise questions about what Batman’s intentions were in negotiating the treaty, how the tribal leaders who signed the treaty understood its meaning and intention, and what impact these documents may have had in compelling the government at the time to declare Australia terra nullius on 10 October 1835, just a few months after the Batman treaties were signed.

John Wesley Burtt’s painting of the signing of the Batman Treaty will also be on display as well as maps which detail the area that Batman intended to acquire. A central structure inspired by the majestic tree depicted in Burtt’s painting, serves as a space to watch and listen to members of Victoria’s Aboriginal community, who have shared their views on what treaty means for them. It also invites conversation from all who visit.

VIRC Curator, Stacie Piper said that Treaty opens at an historic moment for Victorian First Peoples communities as well as for people of this Country. 

‘The purpose of this exhibition is to bring the original Treaty Manuscripts out of the State Library Collection for community to access.  These treaties are a part of history here in Victoria and they are presented in a space to spark conversation around the importance of truth-telling and treaties today.’

State Library Victoria CEO Paul Duldig said:

‘The Batman Deeds, held in the State Collection, are very significant manuscripts, particularly within the context of the historic treaty negotiations underway in Victoria. We are proud to present Treaty at the Library and share stories of Victoria’s Aboriginal communities.’ 

‘State Library Victoria is grateful for the generous support from the Hansen Little Foundation, enabling a dedicated space to share these stories.’

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said:  

‘As we walk together on the path to Truth and Treaty, exhibitions like this play an important role in helping us to examine our shared past and to have important conversations about Victoria's future. I congratulate and thank the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre and State Library Victoria for presenting this significant exhibition which is free and open daily for all to visit.’

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said: 

‘We have been on the path to Truth and Treaty for more than eight years in Victoria, and we continue to back a better future for Aboriginal Victorians through this process. Understanding our shared history is an important part of looking towards a better future for all Victorians.’

Treaty is presented by State Library Victoria through the Victorian Indigenous Research Centre. It opens 27 October 2024 at State Library Victoria enabled by the support of the Hansen Little Foundation. 

To find out more visit slv.vic.gov.au/treaty.