Donna Benjamin

Thanks to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s work over the past couple of years, I know a lot more than I used to, and also appreciate we still have much to learn and acknowledge. I grieve for the knowledge, culture, and ways of living in this place that humanity has lost through colonisation, but I wholeheartedly celebrate the resilience and richness of what’s survived, and is thriving now. I used to take pride in understanding Melbourne was the only place that had a treaty. But I’ve since learned it was no such thing, and nothing to cheer, that Batman was not the enlightened setller he’d been painted to be. I’m glad we have addressed that in the name change of the federal electorate to Cooper.

No, I think it was seriously lacking. But has improved dramatically since I was at school. At La Trobe University I had the privilege to work with Tony Barta to learn more, and learn differently.

I’m not sure.

Perhaps reflecting on what we were taught in school, and re-assessing those lessons with curiosity and compassion? Perhaps rethinking how we distribute wealth from the land, water, and minerals in future? Continuing to embed first nations knowledge in the Victorian curriculum, but perhaps there are elements we could bring to other parts of life. What could the mainstream health system learn from the VACCHO? In a world of mis and dis information, ancient wisdom carried through oral tradition could be just what we need to counter division.

Perhaps reflecting on what we were taught in school, and re-assessing those lessons with curiosity and compassion? Perhaps rethinking how we distribute wealth from the land, water, and minerals in future? Continuing to embed first nations knowledge in the Victorian curriculum, but perhaps there are elements we could bring to other parts of life. What could the mainstream health system learn from the VACCHO? In a world of mis and dis information, ancient wisdom carried through oral tradition could be just what we need to counter division.