All Victorians are now invited to be part of truth telling by making a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Submissions had previously been open to First Peoples only.

Yoorrook is the first Royal Commission in Australia planned and led by First Peoples and is the first formal truth-telling process into injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.

Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Professor Eleanor Bourke said:

Yoorrook has heard powerful evidence from First Peoples about the systemic racism, injustice and harm caused by the State against them and their families. Often this involved reliving traumatic experiences and came at a significant personal toll. Now it is time for all Victorians to play their part in the truth telling process; truth telling must be a two-way street. Every story, record and historical document helps build the body of evidence needed to create transformational change for First Peoples. Coming together to acknowledge past injustice and resolve our differences is an important part of the healing process. Only then can we begin to create a better future for all Victorians.

Submissions should be about injustice against First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation or stories of survival. They could include stories of relationships between Aboriginal people and settlers, knowledge of early stories and beliefs, or information about the impact of colonisation on the Traditional Owners of a particular area.

Submissions could also comprise documents from a workplace, farm, church or family archive about local histories. They could include information taught in school about First Peoples history, culture and experiences, or knowledge and evidence of massacre sites.

Submissions can be made by individuals, families, groups or organisations.

Click this link for more information.

Supporting the wellbeing of First Peoples is a really important part of the Yoorrook process. Yoorrook provides confidential wellbeing support to First Peoples who want to tell their truth.