Anonymous 1141
In this submission, the author outlines the stories told in the 80's about the impacts of colonisation, and how it wasn't until well into their 20's that the truth about colonisation was more widespread. They advocate for owning the history and giving First Peoples their identity back.
Submission Transcription
I finished highschool in 1996 – unfortunately the story that was told in the 80’s was that the ‘poor Aboriginal children’ were put up for adoption because their family could not look after them. It wasn’t until I started Uni and was well into my 20’s that the truth about colonisation was more widespread and not in a cloud of ‘alternate opinion.’ I am learning about the massacre of communities, about diseases were deliberately spread to eradicate mob. This horrible history needs to be told, to be remembered and never repeated.
Not in the slightest. I had no idea I grew up with a member of the stolen generation until the penny dropped in my 20’s. My children are learning more about it now though which is good.
Own the history. Atone for it and give First People their identify back. Allow records to be corrected. We have so much to learn about healing country, we need to shut up and listen.
Listen. Learn and walk together to fix systemic flaws in systems.
Listen. Learn and walk together to fix systemic flaws in systems.
Truth-teller consent
Contact us about this submission
Contact us if you’d like to discuss this submission.
Similar submissions
Explore submissions from other witnesses that discuss similar topics.
Mary Hassall
This submission is from Mary Hassall, a descendant of James Hassall, after whom the Hassall creek on Gunditj Country is named. It discusses her resear... more
Viki Sinclair (Fowler)
Viki Sinclair is a direct descendant of one of the original settlers of Gippsland, Colin McLaren. In this submission, she tells her personal story of... more
Gayle Carr
Gayle Carr makes this submission on behalf of herself, Kathryn Williamson and the late Diana Halmarick. It outlines the range of historic reference ma... more
Gerard Finnigan
Gerard Finnigan is a non-Aboriginal person who grew up on Gunditjmara Country and has been mentored by and worked with First Peoples throughout his li... more
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.
