Jo K
Jo K finds the colonisation of Victoria shocking and shameful, having learned the truth only at university. They criticise the lack of comprehensive education on First Nations history and advocate for teaching Australia's real history, truth-telling, and joint celebrations. They believe non-First Nations Victorians should own and speak about the truth, and that promoting First Peoples' history should be guided by the Owners of culture.
Submission Transcription
More than I’d like to know – what happened was (is) shocking and shameful. As whitefella, I only got to know some of the truth when I went to Uni, at which time I was 23. My reaction was disgust, shame and a resounding ‘why wasn’t I told this at school? Why were we lied to?’. Through work and more study, I’ve finally learnt how the rightful owners of Australia were and still are dispossessed of their lands, how they were culled, marginalised and disempowered. How culture, lore and language has been lost… how the health of our country has suffered and continues to deteriorate as a direct result of colonisation…. and how Australia’s legal system continues to perpetuate and legalise these injustices even today.
Anything but. I got the romanticised version of the First Fleet in primary school save for the short discussion about humpys and clap sticks… and nothing in Secondary school save for one incursion by an Indigenous didge player. Had I not studied natural resource management at Uni, and had some fantastic lecturers and tutors, I would probably still be unaware of Australia’s truth to this day (I am 45).
I would like Australia’s real history to be taught and acknowledged at all levels. I would like to see First Nations people sharing their knowledge and customs with school children as First Nations deem appropriate. I would like to see our Country and communities heal through truth telling, joint celebrations and the goal of working together for the benefit of all.
Own it. Speak about it. Speak out against today’s transgressions. Vote consciously. Act from the heart – we are all people – we are all hurting.
Own it. Speak about it. Speak out against today’s transgressions. Vote consciously. Act from the heart – we are all people – we are all hurting.
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Reports and Recommendations
Read the official reports and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
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.
