Short Truths
Victorians have shared their truths on the impacts of colonisation on First Peoples
Built on the powerful answers shared with Yoorrook in people’s submissions, Shared Truths invites you to explore lived experiences of First Peoples and the lasting impacts of colonisation on land, health, education, and daily life.
Through these answers, you are invited to deepen your understanding on the impacts of colonisation and walk together towards a shared future. Listen and learn from people's shared truths below.
I’m a non Aboriginal person who would like to provide information about what has happened to indigenous people where I grew up
I’m not aboriginal but I have friends who are. The outright rasicm and silent apartheid I have witnessed makes me ashamed to be so called ‘Australian
It feels like there is still a lot of racism in Victoria especially in County Victoria and the far east.
I think these are exciting times, however, we have a long way to go. The referendum last year was devastating.
I feel that Victoria is paving the way for a positive, progressive future, which is encouraging.
One of the best feeling about being an Aboriginal person living in Victoria is meeting new people, alot of places & events to go to & lastly having to see community supports for the homeless people.
I’m not Mob, I work with mob & see the impacts of colonisation daily! Disconnection, loss of identity.
Grief & loss.
Lack of real services.
I feel disconnected from my own mob, but so privileged to work with Wurundjeri Elders who make me feel welcomed, grounded, and connected to them and their Country.
Hard, surviving not thriving, to much of being told no and not being respected for being who I am
I’m not indigenous however I work with Aboriginals. They need more rights around cultural laws not the Westminster system which is terribly wrong.
Day to day injustices and being overlooked or judged contributes to a death by a thousand cuts. It isn’t hard to empathise and change behaviour. No one person is better than any other.
We need to be listened to and heard, there is a lot of struggles that need to be identified
That we are a easy target and guilty before proven. Left out having to prove who I am all the time.
Wrongful education in schools about indigenous Australia history which causes rank misinterpretations about black communities in Victoria and Australia as a whole
I just want to feel as if I belong as well and for others to understand that the colours of our skin means northing we all bleed red
Everybody needs to respect everybody and take everyone as they arewhi h doesn’t happen.
You get judged very quickly especially with a mixed family
It’s not okay to discriminate against those who identify. Regardless of colour.
- What it is like to feel, experience racism
- How it takes a very long time to heal from families being separated
- the need to feel we belong here & have a lot to contribute
One of the most important things, I want people to know about my experiences is that life is not hard if you learn to believe in yourself and challenge yourself by trying out new things.
More healing services needed for families – more services & supports for men – Mob led & designed.
That it can be really disregulating being told I’m not Black enough to identify as mob. That I am still so proud, and that just because I don’t look dark, doesn’t mean I’m not connected to my heritage.
That we are resiliant with all of the disadvantage and being NOT listened to I am still here stronger than ever!
More rights for Aboriginals in the judicial system
More Housing
Way less incarceration
- Non-indigenous people have a lot of learning to do!
- I’m sick of Aboriginal issues being treated as less important
Would like to see Aboriginal people be up skilled in their jobs and have a meaningful impact on their lives and that there is no need for white people taking the jobs from Aboriginal people.
I would like to see our First Nations people having a voice to describe what has been known for years. The white population are who needs to change – not First Nations peoples.
Self determination looks like the govts way of getting out of paying compensations to us indigenous in Victoria
Turning my life around, trying to brake this cycle and stay out of prison, I am determined to get back to the ones I love
Greater respect by everyone on the journey of cultural respect
First Nations values accepted by all
Reconciliation Action Plan explores + KPI
Acknowledgment
We are in control of what happens to our families and our country. Aboriginal knowledge and ways of being and viewing the world is valued and in fact included in decision making of government.
Self- determination is our own responsibilities for our own people an not having genocide justice laws control us as the 1st Australians
Aboriginals having a respected place at the table as an equal.
Aboriginal input is important – real listening
Self-determination to me is like feeling determined and trusting your self that anything is possible, even if it looks difficult/hard to challenge yourself with.
Healing the voices & truth of what has happened & what Mob need to happen to help them continue to heal & remain the strong & resilient culture they are.
Being able to advocate, as an Aboriginal woman, for Traditional Custodians rights to protect their cultural heritage.
Being able to show young ones how far they can come.
I get to choose what I want for my self, my family, my community and not someone making those decisions for me.
This is so important for Indigenous Australians.
It must happen “No more Talk”
Listen to Elders and make change
Having tangible power to shape our own futures individually, culturally, politically & economically
I don’t want them getting asked if they are Aboriginal or what mob they from.
I want a truth teller for Vic Police on the wrongs they have done to me and many others
For them to have a life that’s so much better than mine and for them to experience the world better than I did and for them to see more of the world
They are safe and free from all forms of racism. They are truly connected, happy, healthy powerful being.
To have self determination and self govern there own futures and our sovereign rights.
Everyone needs to be involved all raciest. Children and grandchildren need to grow up with
respect and pride.
First nations tribes governing all of Australia.
Australian government held accountable for the crimes against first nations people, land and
waters
People can understand that Aboriginal are not only black and they can be mix cultures
That they feel equal, important, respected
That they feel proud to say they are Aboriginal
That they have a valued, exciting future.
Some of the most significant changes I want to see in my children & grandchildren are; making sure they have good moral values/behaviour, also for them to learn to respect those who are older than them
I want more pathways for my sisters and cousins to succeed, for their mental health and wellbeing, for more opportunities to promote Blak excellence.
To be acknowledge as a person that existed before Colonisation and respected for their knowledge and wisdom handed down to them.
Less child protection involvement.
Again giving Aboriginal families stable housing helps support other social issues.
More Education & University free for ALL Indigenous Australians
I want generational prejudice and racism to be a thing of the past. We are an extremely progressive and forward thinking generation. I want my children to be judged on their character, not culture.
Reports and Recommendations
Read the official reports and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Yoorrook for Transformation
Third Interim Report: A five-volume comprehensive reform report presenting evidence and findings on systemic injustices, and specific recommendations for meaningful change to transform the future, will be available in the coming month.
Truth Be Told
An official public record that documents First Peoples experiences since colonisation, preserves crucial testimonies for future generations and creates an enduring resource for education and understanding, will be available in the coming month.
Recommendations for change
Yoorrook Justice Commission’s recommendations for truth-telling, justice, and systemic reform in Victoria.
Take Action
Explore ways to take action and connect with organisations supporting truth and justice.
