Meriki Onus, Gunnai and Gunditjmara activist and newly elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, joins Daniel James on The Mission to discuss stepping into leadership during a pivotal moment for Treaty in Victoria.

Meriki reflects on speaking at the Royal Exhibition Building for the 125th anniversary of the opening of Federal Parliament, describing the weight of standing in that space as a sovereign person. They talk about the responsibility of carrying family legacies, sharing leadership with Djaran Murray-Jackson, and thinking beyond political cycles toward what Gellung Warl – the newly established Treaty body – could mean seven generations from now.

Meriki speaks to the need for ongoing truth-telling, economic self-determination, and practical change across areas like health, justice, child protection and community-led decision-making. With the Victorian opposition pledging to repeal Treaty if elected, Meriki also reflects on the political road ahead, their commitment to working across parliament, and the importance of mature conversations about Treaty, sovereignty and the future of First Peoples in Victoria.