Submissions Library

This submission highlights how the education of First Peoples history and culture in Victoria was the complete opposite of comprehensive. It outlines the ways in which non-First Nations Victorians can contribute by supporting organisations like Pay the Rent and First Nations Futuresc and calls for systemic change in institutions.

Charles Pakana describes his experiences as a disconnected Aboriginal man and how he has had to fight for his identity, like so many others have also had to do. Carrying great pride in his heritage, he has worked with community in Victoria for nearly 20 years, advocating for truth, voice and treaty. Charles seeks acknowledgement of disconnected people, and acknowledgement from the government that its legacy of genocidal acts have inflicted brutal disconnection upon thousands of Aboriginal people, who, without family, clan and nation support, continue to fight for a better Victoria and Australia.

Katherine Clarke is a Wotjobaluk woman from the Wimmera who works in the arts. She is concerned about exploitation of First Peoples art by the commercial world, with no understanding or respect for the storytelling and culture that gives First Nations art its meaning. She also talks about the undervaluing of First Nations artists and their work and makes suggestions for addressing it, which would help self-determination.

Carolyn Lawson is from the Latji Latji Maraura Tribe from Mildura. She describes police violence towards community over many years, including children. She wants investigations into incidents that have happened, and for police and the Coroner’s Court to be re-educated about First Nations people and history. She also praises the local police in Robinvale, who get to know community and get involved with NAIDOC Week.

Anonymous 1127 discusses their evolving understanding of Victoria’s colonisation, the need for a treaty, and the importance of integrating First Peoples’ history and culture into all aspects of the community.

Anonymous 1131 shares their knowledge and connection to First Peoples history. They discuss the lack of localised Aboriginal education in schools, and the need for significant changes including localised education, listening to First Nations voices, and normalising the use of Aboriginal place names.

Lionel Lauch is a Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man. He is the co-founder of Living Culture, which teaches people to see through an Indigenous perspective in the Mornington Peninsula area, including bush tucker, medicine, dancing, art and cooking. Lionel’s family experienced intergenerational trauma through the Stolen Generations. Growing up in out-of-home care he experienced racism, violence and abuse. He has also faced racism in the health system throughout his life, which has affected his health. He has learned to let go of the anger and despair he felt growing up and feels immense pride in culture as an Aboriginal man.

Anon 1172 is a First Nations teacher at an inner north Primary School. They describe many experiences of offensive comments and questions they have faced from students, staff and colleagues, including questioning their Aboriginality, and racist and derogatory stereotypes. Their experience as a teacher has left them feeling isolated, broken and retraumatised. They believe schools have a responsibility to embed First Nations culture into policy and practice.

Emma Mayall talks about her Grandfather, who lost his connection to his heritage and for a large part of his life denied he was a First Nations man. She talks about the struggle of trying to find out more about her Dadda’s history and her own identity as a First Nations woman.