Jenny Candy

I don’t know nearly enough. But what I have learned from local sources as well as generally is that despite the best efforts of First Peoples to be respectful, generous and helpful to colonists they were treated with cruelty, arrogance and with total disregard for their connection to and knowledge of their country and for their ancient culture.

Negligible. I learned that Aboriginal people were nomads and just wandered the country armed with spears and boomerangs.

More First Nations names of geographic landmarks adopted. Stories of First Nations individuals told alongside stories of white settlers for example where there are tributes to white ‘explorers’ the story of the people they displaced should be told in equal measure. Not just with generalisations but with actual names and family ties and where and how they lived. First Nations history and knowledge must be taught in schools with pride! Our kids need to be proud of living in a country with such a rich and ancient history. And First Nations knowledge must be celebrated to counter the idea that ‘white’ science and knowledge is superior. And where possible in schools teach some language of the First Nations country you are on.

Be willing to listen. To let First Nations people know that it is important to us to hear and understand the stories and the shocking pain of loss they have carried over generations. To talk to eachother about this. To try to dispel the fear held by many white people that by acknowledging the past injustices we are not diminished or threatened but rather strengthened and united.

Be willing to listen. To let First Nations people know that it is important to us to hear and understand the stories and the shocking pain of loss they have carried over generations. To talk to eachother about this. To try to dispel the fear held by many white people that by acknowledging the past injustices we are not diminished or threatened but rather strengthened and united.