Nick
Nick states that the education system taught little about the history and culture of Aboriginal people. He advocates for Traditional Owners to have the resources and decision-making powers to build and deliver a local history curriculum. He believes non-First Nations Victorians should be allies, listen, learn, and acknowledge historical injustices to promote truth-telling and treaty.
Submission Transcription
we learnt little about the experience or history of colonialism and even less about the breadth, culture and ingenuity of Aboriginal people that owned the land.
i would like to see Traditional Owners given the resources, decision making powers and opportunities to build and deliver a curriculum to teach young people about the local history of there region.
By being allies, by listening, by learning and reflecting. And by understanding that only by facing us to what actually occurred in Victoria can we become a mature nation – with pride and integrity. Hiding behind the shadows of history is an uncomfortable existence until we face it, with some honesty. We have an obligation to understand the Truth, and when we know the truth we have a responsibility to acknowledge and remedy historical injustice.
By being allies, by listening, by learning and reflecting. And by understanding that only by facing us to what actually occurred in Victoria can we become a mature nation – with pride and integrity. Hiding behind the shadows of history is an uncomfortable existence until we face it, with some honesty. We have an obligation to understand the Truth, and when we know the truth we have a responsibility to acknowledge and remedy historical injustice.
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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.
