Anonymous 1122
This submission acknowledges the broad impacts of colonisation on Victoria's First Peoples. It reflects on their educational experiences across WA, NSW, and SA, noting that WA's was the best one for this. It advocates for the promotion of understanding, truth-telling, and cultural respect for First Peoples, starting from childhood. It also emphasizes the role of non-First Nations people in listening and learning.
Submission Transcription
It’s so broad. I know we live on stolen land, I know First Peoples were treated and classified as fauna until relatively recently. Specifically Victoria my understanding is vague. An unequal treaty I believe was proposed by Batman. I know no more details.
I had my education in WA, NSW and SA. WA was the best one for this. It was where I learnt more cultural points of the local country.
It has to be from childhood. Incorporating language, truth-telling of history and understanding us as white people’s role in the exploitation and oppression of First Peoples. And it can’t be self-pity or guilt. It doesn’t work that way. It’s “I have this particular privilege, I didn’t have to go through x and y and the cops are less likely to kill me” (cops are bastards). I think it is our role as white people to listen, to reflect and then to be led by First Peoples on effective pathways to change this unequal paradigm.
Being present at truth-telling and comprehend land-back. We are going to be living together, we must be willing to appreciate our infliction of suffering. I want to learn. But it is not the onus on First Peoples to teach.
Being present at truth-telling and comprehend land-back. We are going to be living together, we must be willing to appreciate our infliction of suffering. I want to learn. But it is not the onus on First Peoples to teach.
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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.
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.
Recommendations for change
Yoorrook Justice Commission’s recommendations for truth-telling, justice, and systemic reform in Victoria.
