James Atkinson

My name is James Atkinson. I am writing to apply to be on the Assembly.

I was one of the original Working Group members that first put forward the model of the make-up of the Assembly and its purpose, along with many other community members.

I am a descendant from the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang people of northern Victoria. I have spent my lifetime growing up between Melbourne and my hometown of Mooroopna / Shepparton, in which most of my family and extended family still live today — including here in Melbourne and surrounds.

I am a son, grandson, brother, and a proud father of two beautiful children and uncle to many nieces and nephews and have a loving and supporting partner.

I have always been strong in my culture and that of my identity of who I am as an Aboriginal person and member of my communities. I have always advocated and supported the need for our own independence and the need to ensure how we achieve our independence is important, and making sure it is always grounded in who we are as Aboriginal people, clan, family, culture, and community.

A treaty is important for our independence in shaping our lives of wellbeing, prosperity, and culture both now and for our generations to come.