Vera Di Campli

I know that the colonisation of Victoria involved First Peoples being removed from their lands against their will and that their lands were never ceded. I know that the result of colonisation on First Peoples were predominantly negative, causing much pain, death, grief and heartache that remains to this day.

In hindsight, my experience of learning about First Nations history and culture in Victoria’s education system is that everything I “learnt” was based on colonial thinking, from the perspective of the colonist. At the time, I didn’t know better and took the scanty, inaccurate information for granted, at face value. As a result, First Nations peoples, their lives and culture, remained a mystery to me. Now I feel sadness and regret about the opportunity that was lost, all those years ago, to learn about the true history of the country I was born and raised in, and about the peoples who inhabited these lands for thousands of years before the invaders came.

I would like First Peoples to have more of a voice in mainstream society and culture, to be consulted in a genuine spirit of collaboration and co-operation about matters which concern them – everything from their health, housing, education and employment, to legal matters and land management issues.

Make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Acknowledge Traditional Owners. Attend local community and cultural events where there are opportunities for discussion. Listen and learn. Explore First Peoples history and cultures e.g. walking trails, art galleries, libraries, museums, books and media (podcasts, radio programs, NITV)

Make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Acknowledge Traditional Owners. Attend local community and cultural events where there are opportunities for discussion. Listen and learn. Explore First Peoples history and cultures e.g. walking trails, art galleries, libraries, museums, books and media (podcasts, radio programs, NITV)