Jarvis Atkinson shares how the lack of support and exclusion in school impacted his life
“It really stood out to me how other children, how they were treated compares to how I seen my cousins get treated and how I was treated. The lack of support from the teachers in the mainstream schooling was definitely a big factor in the way my direction in my life went the way it did. I was homeless, dropped out of school early, criminal record and so I had to break down this person that I’ve created, that the system created.”
Yorta Yorta man Jarvis Atkinson shares the lack of support and exclusion he experienced in the mainstream schooling system and how this affected his life.
We can’t change the truth of our past, but by accepting and understanding it, we can walk forward together to a better shared future. For First Peoples and all Victorians. First the talk. Now the walk.
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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.