History

“Intergenerational denial” – Dr Katrina Kell – Descendants Day

“Researching and critically analysing my ancestor’s role in facilitating the theft of Gunditjmara land and the abhorrent treatment of Aboriginal people in South-Western Victoria has been confronting but also cathartic.

I believe all non-Indigenous Australians must face this nation’s violent past with honest and critical eyes.

We must contribute to the truth-telling process and ensure there is justice and reparation for all First Nations Peoples by acknowledging the crimes committed by our colonial ancestors.”

Find the full evidence from Dr Katrina Kell and other witnesses at Yoorrook’s Descendants Day hearing.

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The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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Peter Sharp gives evidence into Deakin’s involvement in the Aborigines Protection Act 1886

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Traditional Owners

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Introducing Descendants Day on ABC Breakfast

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The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Developed by Indigenous Peoples, it establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for Indigenous Peoples’ survival, dignity and wellbeing.
Sep 20, 2024
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Peter Sharp gives evidence into Deakin’s involvement in the Aborigines Protection Act 1886

Peter Sharp, a great grandson of former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, gives the Commission evidence into Deakin’s involvement in the passage of the Aborigines Protection Act 1886.
Sep 20, 2024
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“Intergenerational denial” – Dr Katrina Kell – Descendants Day

“Researching and critically analysing my ancestor’s role in facilitating the theft of Gunditjmara land and the abhorrent treatment of Aboriginal people in South-Western Victoria has been confronting but also cathartic.”
Sep 20, 2024
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Traditional Owners

“My hope from today is that other landholders let go that angst of worrying that land will be resumed or impacts on what they are wanting to do… it’s a shared journey and I hope that others will see that.”
Sep 20, 2024
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Introducing Descendants Day on ABC Breakfast

Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter appeared on ABC News Breakfast to discuss Yoorrook’s Descendant Day hearing.
Sep 4, 2024

Other Topics

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History

Shed light on and learn the “hidden truth” of the colonisation of Victoria.
Close up hands performing a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country.

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.
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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.
Aunty Jill Gallagher and Sheree Lowe discuss the health system in the Yoorrook hearing room.

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.
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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.
Jedah wearing Aboriginal Body Art outdoors infront of a fire put while discussing how the Victorian education system be improved for First Peoples

Education videos

How do First Peoples students experience the Victorian education system and how could it be improved? 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: Report into Victorias child protection and criminal justice systems

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.
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Yoorrook Events

The Yoorrook NAIDOC events included an Elders Panel that featured Yoorrook Chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Uncle Kevin Coombs.
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Making a submission

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.