Anonymous 1251

I know that Australia was originally a land for First Nations people, and that it was taken from First Nations people in a violent, and unfair way. They were pushed out, and Australia- or Victoria specifically, has been treated as if it was originally a White Man’s land. The values of our government, the legal system, education system have all been pandered towards a more Western culture, and even work against First Nations people. First Nations people are the rightful owners of this land.

When I was younger, in 2007 in Grade 2 was the first time I learnt about colonisation, however at that time it was referred to as when Australia was discovered. We learnt about Captain cook, but I have no memory of learning about the hardships faced by First Nations people. I think the first time I learnt the true history (or as close to true as it was taught) was in highschool or late primary. I think that hiding history, or sugar-coating history from young children is not good, and created a wrongful image of Australia.

Changes in the Education system, so people learn about the true history of Australia. I think historical moments like the first and second world war are talked about in such great detail, and furthermore treated with great respect through ANZAC day and Remembrance day. However, the impact of colonisation of First Nations people is not talked about nearly as much. I believed that National Sorry Day is the only date I can think of that is meant to remember the impact of colonisation against First Nations people, but it was not talked about enough and kind of ‘swept under the rug’. It also in my opinion is not good enough to have a ‘day’ where we remember the wrongful acts against First Nations people, so much more should be done.

Allowing First Nations people’s voices to be heard, and creating spaces where they are treated as equals, and allowed to speak freely about their experiences without being put under the gaze of Western culture.

Allowing First Nations people’s voices to be heard, and creating spaces where they are treated as equals, and allowed to speak freely about their experiences without being put under the gaze of Western culture.