Anonymous 1243

I know that the Frontier Massacres resulted in over 1,000 deaths of First Nations people in Victoria. These massacres were carried out by the state, to seize possession of land. Children were removed from their families on a systemic level. This has resulted in a lot of First Nations people growing up without their families, without connection to their culture or their land. Colonisation are still in effect all over the continent, and here in Victoria. The destruction of the sacred women’s tree on Djap Wurrung land to widen the Western Highway is an example of this. Intergenerational trauma from colonisation and genocide, as well as a lack of access to culturally appropriate means of receiving health care (involving access to culture and country) leads to poor health outcomes for First Nations people. This could look like addiction, complex mental health struggles, or chronic illness such as diabetes. First Nations People are also over-criminalised due to racism in the justice system. This leads to deaths in police custody. If people are eventually released from prison, they are often traumatised and cut off from their mob and culture. This often results in major barriers achieving quality of life outcomes like gaining employment, securing stable housing, and keeping in good health.

I learnt very little about the truth of colonisation in primary and secondary education. It was only at university during my masters of social work that the true history was touched on in an educational setting. I did my own learning and came to understand the truth through conversations with others and listening to First Nations voices.

Treaty. Protection and First Nations ownership of sacred sites. More funding for First Nations run health and education services. Truth telling at all levels of education about the history of this country’s past. Implementation of all recommendations of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

Holding each other accountable for unchecked racism. Encouraging one another to research and sit with the truth if this country’s history and dark past. Listening, really listening, to First Nations voices. Responding when there is a callout for action. Showing up to your local land council or cultural centre and getting involved as a volunteer. Sharing and elevating art and story telling from First Nations People.

Holding each other accountable for unchecked racism. Encouraging one another to research and sit with the truth if this country’s history and dark past. Listening, really listening, to First Nations voices. Responding when there is a callout for action. Showing up to your local land council or cultural centre and getting involved as a volunteer. Sharing and elevating art and story telling from First Nations People.