First Nations people in Victoria are being encouraged to participate in Australia’s first formal truth-telling process – sharing their own experiences of injustice and racism in the state.
Submissions can be shared through the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s new online portal, launched on Tuesday, and can be made about any kind of systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples, including forced removal, forced labour, cultural loss, economic disadvantage, and intergenerational trauma.
Submissions can also share the truth about the strength, survival, and resistance of First Peoples and can be in any form they wish via the portal, including audio or video, an artwork, song, or dance, in addition to written submissions.
Deputy Chair Commissioner and proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai illum Wurrung woman, Sue-Anne Hunter says Yoorrook will use the truths and experiences shared with the Commission to make recommendations for systemic reform and create a new public record of the impacts of colonisation.
Given the sensitive nature of the submissions, Commissioner Hunter says mob can choose if they want their experiences kept private or published on the portal, with emotional wellbeing support and legal advice available to all First Peoples wishing to tell their truth.
