Lija
Lija reflects on the devastating impacts of Victoria's colonisation on First Nations peoples and the ways in which it destroyed lives, communities and cultural practices. They advocate for focusing on the positive aspects of First Nations culture, promoting Indigenous voices and artwork, and encouraging non-First Nations Victorians to engage with Indigenous communities and challenge their preconceived notions.
Submission Transcription
It proved devasting for so many First Nations peoples and destroyed so many lives, communities, and cultural practices. While there may have been individuals (on the side of the colonisers) who acted decently, the ongoing legacy has still been tragic.
There definitely needs to be more comprehensive education. One of my minors during my undergrad degree was pharmacology and my favourite lesson throughout all those units related to First Nations knowledge. I would love to see full units developed from this. During primary school and high school, while Indigenous history was mentioned, it was not in nearly as much detail as it should be.
A proper focus on positive aspects and the amazing knowledge and culture First Nations peoples possess, as opposed to the seemingly constant barrage of negatives (eg. worse health outcomes, poverty, etc.). These are very real concerns, however, it leads to a lot of people (mostly of WASP backgrounds) feeling justified in their negative stereotyping of Indigenous people.
Trying to become actively involved in learning more from Indigenous community groups and actually being honest about preconceived notions they may have (and where these ideas come from).
Trying to become actively involved in learning more from Indigenous community groups and actually being honest about preconceived notions they may have (and where these ideas come from).
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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.
