Jessica Stott
This submission reflects both on the harms of colonisation on First Peoples, and on First Peoples’ ongoing resilience. Jessica reflects on the limited education they received at school and university about First Peoples histories and cultures. Jessica would like to see changes at all levels of the education system (from kinder to tertiary level) to address this, and more government support for public education programs including the arts.
Submission Transcription
I know that colonisation attempted to annialate Victorian Aboriginal culture, including language, family, spirituality and connection to country. The impact today is that Aboriginal people have the poorest outcomes in terms of social determinants of health in Australia. Despite the attempted genocide, some Aboriginal people are thriving in contemporary Australia, and language, culture and connections are being recovered.
I learned very little about Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture at primary school, secondary school and in my undergraduate degree. I learned more in my Master of Counselling degree which had an emphasis on developing reflexive awareness of my positionality as an Anglo-Australian counsellor.
Education about colonisation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures from kinder – tertiary education. A formalised Aboriginal Voice to Parliament Treaty
By developing the ability to self reflect on their non-Aboriginality and considering the responsibilities that accompany this, such as amplifying the voices of Aboriginal people and communities.
By developing the ability to self reflect on their non-Aboriginality and considering the responsibilities that accompany this, such as amplifying the voices of Aboriginal people and communities.
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Reports and Recommendations
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Yoorrook for Transformation
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.
