An Indigenous academic has warned about the impact of overemphasising the “assumed trauma” brought about by colonisation when addressing Aboriginal issues at school, saying it will promote “a sense of victimhood” among Indigenous students.
The comment comes about a week before the Victorian government implements its new school program which will require educational settings across the state to acknowledge Indigenous culture and adopt measures to “eliminate racism.”
The standard, which commences on July 1, applies to all government and independent schools including those without no Indigenous students.
“Australia’s colonial history has caused significant trauma and hurt that individuals, families and communities still feel today,” the guidance stated….