Anonymous 1166
Anonymous 1166 had limited awareness of Victoria's true history and the strength of its First Peoples until working in the First Peoples portfolio. They recall very limited information about First Nations history in school. They suggest promoting cultural tourism, updating history to reflect colonisation's impact, and supporting First Peoples businesses. They believe non-First Nations Victorians should be open to understanding the impact of colonisation and that it is something that needs to be addressed today.
Submission Transcription
Until working in the First Peoples portfolio I had a very limited awareness of Victoria’s true history, this included limited awareness of the battles and atrocities in SW Vic and Gippsland. I had a very limited understanding of the current strength and resilience of Victoria’s First Peoples
I can only recall a very very limited amount of information being included in the history classes I attended school and certainly didn’t point to the true history. Key points were on the arrival and impact of Captain Cook/First Fleet and then more focussed on Northern/Central Australia
Over the past 6 years I have had the privilege of working closely with Victoria’s Traditional Owners and have gained a far greater understanding of the strength, resilience and strong objectives of Victoria’s First Nations and how all community can benefit from this. I have also had a close exposure to the truth-telling process and have heard first hand the impact and consequence of colonisation, which when I have shared these lessons with friends/colleagues they have found it transformational in terms of their awareness and understanding
Firstly being open to understanding the impact of colonisation as well as the strength/ resilience of Victoria’s First Nations communities. I have found that only a small amount of information shared can have significant impact/influences on views. Secondly, an understanding that this is something that needs to be addressed today – it is not just something that happened in the past.
Firstly being open to understanding the impact of colonisation as well as the strength/ resilience of Victoria’s First Nations communities. I have found that only a small amount of information shared can have significant impact/influences on views. Secondly, an understanding that this is something that needs to be addressed today – it is not just something that happened in the past.
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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.
