Anna Ritman

I hardly know anything about colonisation of Victoria from the First Peoples’ perspective and experience. I know some of the European story of settlement in Victoria and Australia, and I know more generally about the massacres, brutality and injustice experienced by First Peoples as Australia was colonised, but not specific to Victoria.

Nil and no. I’m Melbourne born and raised and well into middle age and I have learnt nothing about First Nations history and culture in Victoria’s education system. My first exposure to First Nations history and culture was when I visited Uluru (then called “Ayers Rock”) when I left school. I spent time with Anangu people who generously shared their stories. Being a white Australian with European ancestors, I felt great shame. I also felt great respect for the Anangu people and wanted to know more and understand how I could contribute to some kind of reconciliation – not a word I fully understood or had at the time.

So many changes. Mostly awareness among the masses of our history – truth telling, systemic education – not just in pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary, but readily available and accessible to all people in the community – in public places/ events/ online information and learning modules/webinars/ cultural centres/ oncountry experiences. Mainstreaming the good, the bad, the ugly, and enabling Victorians to understand how lucky we are to have First Peoples still with us generously sharing their wisdom and culture.

Building our own knowledge. Connecting with First Nations people in Victoria. Being active allies and advocates, speaking out to build awareness and getting involved/ supporting that process of education.

Building our own knowledge. Connecting with First Nations people in Victoria. Being active allies and advocates, speaking out to build awareness and getting involved/ supporting that process of education.