Now More Than Ever: The Importance for Educators to Rise as Allies with First Nations Peoples, July 2024

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Reconciliation Victoria hosted a webinar with Education Officer (Acting), Emily Poelina-Hunter, Uncle Charles Pakana and Margaret Hepworth and two university students (Grace and Lily).

The group discussed the importance for educators to rise as allies with First Nations peoples.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations Peoples and are with us.

There have been many moments in Australia's reconciliation journey that make you want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect. Together, we must build on the work of the past and create a legacy for the future. Now more than ever, the work continues: in Truth-Telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling institutionalised inequity. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And, we need change.  Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.
 
Uncle Charles Pakana, Founder and Editor in Chief of Victorian Aboriginal News, and Margaret Hepworth, with over thirty years teaching Indigenous Studies, and Victorian Education Coordinator for Together for Humanity, came together with Education officer (Acting) Emily Poelina-Hunter in this compelling and informative webinar to help you bring clarity to your classrooms.
 
The four key themes explored were:

• The Uluru Statement from the Heart is still relevant and current in its messaging

• Unpacking the advancement of Treaty in Victoria and the Yoorrook Justice Commission

• How do we become strong allies?

• How do we reach out to local Aboriginal organisations and local reconciliation groups?

Watch this webinar and other Reconciliation Victoria’s Educator Webinars