What has Yoorrook heard about the education system
The Yoorrook Justice Commission 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.
Yoorrook has heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within the Victorian education systems.
“Since colonisation schools have played a significant role in reinforcing racist perceptions and stereotypes about First Peoples and perpetuating false narratives about colonial history… These effects can be seen in the racism that continues to be experienced by First Peoples students.”
– Ben Carroll, Victorian Education Minister
On this page are some of the responses Yoorrook has received as part of its inquiry.
What you've told us about Education
Submission - Northlands Digital Stories Series
Northland Digital Stories Series by Northlands Collective Mob is about the fight to keep Northland Secondary College open after the decision to close it in 1992 by the Kennett Government.
Submission - Theresa Edwards
Then after that, that's when I went to Swan Hill North. And I reckon they were my best years ever in all my life, because they were such deadly, caring teachers, and they taught me a lot. I guess that the biggest lessons I got off them, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Because to me, a lot of our people were never told that.
Submission - Bek
"I recognise that I am part of an education system that continues to perpetrate racism, mistruths and injustice for First Nations people."
"I received no professional learning about cultural appropriation, white bias or the systematic racism written into in our history books. Like most teachers I was expected to just do my best, with near enough being good enough. At the time, I didn't understand the role that stereotypes and the omission of truth plays in maintaining ongoing systems of colonisation."
Submission – The Royal Society of Victoria
Founded in 1854, the Royal Society of Victoria convenes an independent community of science practitioners, educators, industrialists and enthusiasts to promote the understanding and utilisation of scientific knowledge.
In this submission, they discuss the truth-telling initiative of the University of Melbourne which recounts history of disrespectful relationships, deeply racist attitudes and poor scientific practices. The society acknowledges it also played a role, apologises, and supports efforts towards restorative justice and Treaty with First Peoples in Victoria.
How could First Peoples’ history and culture be better taught at school?
View more Shared Truths
News, Stories and Videos
Discover the latest updates on Yoorrook's work, inspiring stories of strength and resistance from First Peoples, insightful opinion pieces from Commissioners, and engaging videos about truth-telling and history
Videos
13 June 2025
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.”
Videos
2 June 2025
Wollithiga Elder Uncle Henry Atkinson recalls his experiences of racism and discrimination at school
“We weren’t allowed to have playtime at the same time as the other kids. We weren’t really encouraged to be good at school…”
News & Stories
19 February 2025
What is Yoorrook up to in 2025?
Yoorrook represents Victoria’s commitment to understanding our shared history so we can build a better future together. The Commission has finalised its major hearing blocks and closed submissions. So, what is Yoorrook up to now?
News & Stories
18 December 2024
A powerful year for Truth and Treaty
In 2024 the Yoorrook Justice Commission investigated the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in land, sky and waters, education, health, and housing. From hearing evidence at the site of the first recorded massacre in Victoria to the premier’s historic visit to Coranderrk, it has been a year filled with powerful moments.
News & Stories
31 July 2024
Yoorrook’s social justice hearings wrap up
Victoria’s truth telling commission has finished its social justice hearings, which looked into the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in education, health, housing and the economy. Read on to find out more about key evidence and moments from the hearings.
Videos
2 July 2024
“White kids didn’t like me simply because I was black.”
Aunty Nellie Flagg shares with Commissioners firsthand experiences of racism at school.
Other information
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