The people of Arnhem Land are having a conversation that could radically re-shape Australia.

In the Top End of the Northern Territory, they're discussing the ugliest parts of colonisation, what's happened since, and the way forward from here.

Today on The Signal, we go on the road with the Northern Territory's Treaty Commissioner Mick Dodson.

What are communities telling him?

And how far off is self-determination for Australia's first peoples?

Featured:

Jane Bardon, ABC reporter, Darwin newsroom

Mick Dodson, Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner