The Impacts of Colonisation

First Peoples’ lives are profoundly shaped by the enduring impact of colonial invasion and contemporary policies that continue to exclude and harm First Peoples. 

The legacy and continuity of colonisation in Victoria

First Peoples were forcibly removed from Country, and forcibly moved into and off missions and reserves. With colonisation came profound violence, loss of life and illness, disruption of culture, language and knowledge systems, and the separation of families and communities. Successive government policies and practices have denied Aboriginal people their rights.  

Every problem Aboriginal Victorians have today is a direct result of past policies, legislation, and discriminatory practice. This is the past and the present.1

- Aunty Muriel Bamblett
Outdoor headshot of Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Boon Wurrung Elder Aunty Muriel Bamblett, captured in a green natural environment.Aunty Muriel Bamblett

Professor Judy Atkinson has explained how colonisation going through various stages which create intergenerational harm. These include:

  • physical violence: invasion, disease, death and destruction
  • structural violence: enforced dependency, legislation, reserves and child removals
  • psycho-social dominance: cultural and spiritual genocide.

How colonisation continues to shape First Peoples’ lives

The process of colonisation, and the impacts of colonisation are ongoing. Today, the ongoing impacts of colonisation are visible in every aspect of First Peoples’ lives, including inequity in education, health, housing and other socio-economic areas.

Despite the devastation of colonisation, Aboriginal people continue to exist and to resist. First Peoples have always resisted and demonstrated resilience. For example:

  • First Peoples actively resisted colonial violence, for example the Fighting Gunditjmara defended Country and people during the Eumeralla Wars.
  • Aboriginal organisations have supported First Peoples’ needs and delivered important services when mainstream services could not, or would not do so.  
  • Aboriginal people continue to care for Country and community, and to revitalise culture and language with benefits to the environment and people.

We have had 250 years of trauma. People talk as though it’s in the past … It’s in the present too. And it’s within me right now.

- Aunty Dr Jill Gallagher
Headshot of Gunditjmara woman Dr Jill Gallagher AO, wearing a blue denim jacket. The background features softly blurred Eucalyptus trees.Dr Jill Gallagher AO

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