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26 January asks us to reflect on how past injustices have impacted First Nations people over generations and recommit to the process of reconciliation

26 January 2022

For many First Nations people, 26 January is a Day of Mourning as it marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, and the beginning of the colonisation of the land and its people, which resulted in significant harm and trauma to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Despite these harms the resilience and strength of First Nations communities is undeniable. On January 26 this year the Tent Embassy (not far from Parliament House in Canberra) marks its 50th year of continuous occupation, making it the site of the longest protest for Indigenous land rights, sovereignty and self-determination in the world. Here in Victoria, the tireless advocacy of Aboriginal people has led to the development of a Treaty framework and the establishment of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.

Here at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission we remain committed to advancing the rights of Aboriginal Victorians, including through the protection of Aboriginal cultural rights under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and the implementation of our Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy (2020-2022).

There remains much more to do. As a country, we need to come together, engage in open and respectful conversation and embrace truth-telling, as we progress towards shared understanding and true reconciliation.

Media contact

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Phone: 1300 292 153
Email: enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

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Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy

This Aboriginal Community Engagement Strategy 2020-22 will shape our work and connections with Victoria’s Aboriginal community in the years ahead.

Our services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

If you’re Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, find out how we can support you at the Commission.

Tent Embassy

A short history of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy – an indelible reminder of unceded sovereignty.

Image: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

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Address
Melbourne Victoria 3000

General enquiries
enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

Enquiry line
1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583

Interpreters
1300 152 494

NRS Voice Relay
1300 555 727 then use 1300 292 153

Media enquiries
1300 292 153

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledges that we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission recognises the injustice resulting from the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples’ territories and the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s findings of genocide, crimes against humanity and denial of freedoms.