Anonymous 1146

I know that John Batman coerced the First Peoples of Victoria to sign an invalid “treaty” which involved them trading certain goods for their lands. I know that Aboriginal Peoples suffered terribly at the hands of the colonisers – that they were forced out of Melbourne and eventually into stations like Corranderrk where they existed under the rule of the so-called ‘Protector’ of Aborigines. I know that there were many skirmishes between farmers and First Peoples and that many Aboriginal people were massacred and poisoned. I know many caught European diseases. I know that their children were stolen and indoctrinated into Christianity; put into homes and eventually sent to work as domestic servants – virtual slaves – and that their wages were withheld from them.

I am 50 years old and received no education at school whatsoever about the First Peoples of this land. I spent most of my formative years growing up in Perth – Noongar country – and the last two years of high school in Victoria. The things I know now I have learnt over many years through my working life, and reading books and newspapers.

I think it’s really important that our education system incorporates the truth of colonisation into our curriculum. These stories need to be told early and often, so that all people grow up with an understanding of what really happened in this country. I think it would be great if cultural training could be included in schools, because many people grow up having had no contact with First Peoples whatsoever. (And I include myself in this category).

I guess by being open and receptive and trying to educate ourselves as best we can.

I guess by being open and receptive and trying to educate ourselves as best we can.