Patrick Ottery
Patrick Ottery discusses how the massive scale of murder, displacement, and cultural destruction of First Nations people due to colonisation. He criticises the education system for not teaching this history and advocates for comprehensive education on colonisation, reparations, and government action to address systemic inequalities. He believes non-First Nations Victorians should read, listen, and challenge biases, and that government leaders must promote First Peoples history and culture beyond token gestures.
Submission Transcription
My understanding of the colonisation of victoria and australia are one and the same, unfortunately. I’m aware of the massive scale of murder, displacement, destruction of language and culture, forced removal of children into white families to further destroy culture, and the legacy that all of the above holds today. I understand that first peoples of victoria and this country have managed to hold on to these horrific stories, and feel that enabling the truth to be told is a small, but very important step to healing.
I learned very little about first peoples and their history in the education system. I’m sure there was a bit there, but through my time in the system (1986-1998) not a lot was told, and not a lot was remembered (the remembering part was my fault!)
Steal white people’s children and put them in first nations homes. Oh and pay first nations people a boat load of money in reparations. More seriously (reparations payments is totally serious) I would like to see the true history taught in schools, not just cultural artefacts, stories of dreaming, etc (these are important too), but the true, complete, and horrible history of colonisation, should be taught from early on in school. Age appropriate language should be used (e.g. don’t traumatise young kids) but this must not be shied away from. The truth can be told, but to matter, it must also be heard. I would also like our governments to do more than say sorry. They must be the leaders informing the non first peoples public that their role in truth telling in listing & hearing. They must also take meaningful actions to address systemic inequalities impacting first peoples communities that stem from colonisation.
Read, listen and learn. Develop compassion. Challenge any biases you might have.
Read, listen and learn. Develop compassion. Challenge any biases you might have.
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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.
