Rodney Vlais

First Peoples have experienced an attempted genocide at the hands of white settlers. The occupation of First People’s lands, communities and spiritual places continues. The fact that a higher proportion of Aboriginal children are removed from families by the child protection system today than during the Stolen Generations speaks to the ongoing impacts of structural and systemic racism and of patriarchal settler colonialism. Police, justice systems and other statutory authorities continue to respond discriminately to First Peoples.

True treaty negotiations that respects First Peoples lore, and that involves a meaningful transfer of power and resources to First Nations governance. Not symbolic, but meaningful. Reparations for the impacts of attempted genocide, dispossession and dislocation on First Nations communities.

Much, much more listening to First Nations truth-telling. Non-First Nations Victorians exploring our own white privilege, and the benefits obtained through white privilege. Reflecting on non-First Nations wealth that has been stolen from First Nations communities. Non-First Nations Victorians supporting each other to be vulnerable and open to what we have to learn about our own cultures, and about our own cultural repair, through listening to First Nations truth-telling.

Much, much more listening to First Nations truth-telling. Non-First Nations Victorians exploring our own white privilege, and the benefits obtained through white privilege. Reflecting on non-First Nations wealth that has been stolen from First Nations communities. Non-First Nations Victorians supporting each other to be vulnerable and open to what we have to learn about our own cultures, and about our own cultural repair, through listening to First Nations truth-telling.