Dr Vicki Couzens, Keerray Woorroong Gunditjmara, shares the importance of Country and the impact of severing that connection on First Peoples.
“Your name, your kinship, your totems, your clans tell you who you are. They tell you how you are related to each other, including the place or the tree or the bird or the animal, fish, bird, insect, grass, everything, and how you are in relationship, so no one is left out. And to be removed from Country is to have all those things threatened.”
Dr Vicki Couzens, Keerray Woorroong Gunditjmara, shares the importance of Country and the impact of severing that connection on First Peoples.
We can’t change the truth of our past, but by accepting and understanding it, we can walk together to a better shared future. For First Peoples and for all Victorians.
First the talk. Now the walk.
The true path forward starts here.
Recent Videos
Gomeroi woman Dr Nikki Moodie shares the importance of Country
Jun 13, 2025
Land Injustice
Ebony Phillips on the need for systemic change that continues to impact First Peoples families today
Jun 13, 2025
Child protection system
Jarvis Atkinson shares how the lack of support and exclusion in school impacted his life
Jun 13, 2025
Education
Rueben Berg, Gunditjmara, shares the deep connection to the environment and to the land shown by his ancestors and passed down to First Peoples through the generations
Jun 13, 2025
Culture
Nerita Waight shares the strength of First Peoples and ongoing connection to culture, community and Country
Jun 13, 2025
Land Injustice
Paul Paton, Monero Ngorigo and Gunai, shares how Country includes family, culture, language, customs and spiritual beliefs
Jun 13, 2025
Culture
Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta woman Keicha Day talks about the connection between historical truth and liberation
Jun 3, 2025
History
Truth-telling
Wollithiga Elder Uncle Henry Atkinson recalls his experiences of racism and discrimination at school
Jun 2, 2025
Education
More First the Talk. Now the Walk.
Through Yoorrook, meaning ‘truth’ in Wamba Wamba language, over the past four years people across Victoria have shared their truths as evidence.
Now we invite everyone to listen and learn from the truths Yoorrook has heard.
Other Topics
First the Talk. Now the Walk.
Through Yoorrook, meaning ‘truth’ in Wamba Wamba language, over the past four years people across Victoria have shared their truths as evidence. Now we invite everyone to listen and learn from the truths Yoorrook has heard.
Walk for Truth
Yoorrook Justice Commission invites you to be part of the Walk for Truth from Portland to Parliament.
Housing Videos
Yoorrook heard how today’s housing crisis stems from colonisation. Darren Smith, from Aboriginal Housing Victoria, said “you can draw a line”. Learn more.
Health Videos
Commissioners heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within Victoria’s health services, both for individuals requiring health care and Aboriginal organisations providing care. Learn more.
Social Justice Videos
Watch what Yoorrook has heard about systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in Victoria in relation to health, education, housing and economic life.
Land Injustice videos
In yarns & submissions, First Peoples are telling Yoorrook about the importance of land, sky & water and the impact of colonisation. Hear what they have to say.
Education videos
Yoorrook is looking into the barriers First Peoples face in accessing all levels of education, as well as the racism many still endure within the system. Now is the time to have your say by making a submission.
Yoorrook for Justice
The Yoorrook for Justice report is the culmination of Yoorrook’s year-long inquiry into Victoria’s child protection and criminal justice systems.