‘Why can’t Aboriginal people get over the past?’
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A new website is seeking to answer this question, and many others, in an effort to promote greater understanding and appreciation of the cultures, histories and experiences of Aboriginal people.
Deadly Questions marries controversial questions with answers from Aboriginal Victorians.
The website provides users with an opportunity to ask a question anonymously, or to search its database for inspiration.
Inspiration for the tool was drawn from research, which indicated many Victorians did not know much about their state’s Aboriginal heritage, and did not feel comfortable asking in case they caused offence or appeared ignorant.
Trent Nelson, of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, welcomed the website’s creation.
“Any platform that people can feel free and confident to ask questions, I think is a good, positive outcome,” he said.
“I always encourage people, though, to connect with traditional owners in the area.
”You can only do so much on a media scale. You've got to build those relationships, then you can ask the right questions and get the right answers.”
Gunditjmara man and Deadly Questions champion, Associate Professor Richard Frankland, said the website provided Victorians with the unique opportunity to ask any question, ‘no matter how uncomfortable it may seem’, to start a broader conversation and give everyone an opportunity to learn more about our cultures.
“Why ‘deadly’? Because to Aboriginal people, deadly means cool, or great. That’s what we want, we want people to ask us anything, because opening up this conversation will be great for all Victorians,” Mr Frankland said.
The launch of the website coincided with discussions in the Victorian parliament about Treaty.
The Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018 passed the Legislative Assembly earlier this month and will be considered in the Legislative Council.
“For me, Treaty means hope. It’s about welcoming us all home. It’s out chance to change the social tapestry of the nation. Understanding the value of Treaty to the Aboriginal community, and why we’ve never stopped calling for Treaty is key to moving forward,” Mr Frankland said.
“At the same time, this is more than just a debate in the Victorian Parliament - we want all Victorians to join this conversation. This is an opportunity for our cultures to share and take pride in this iconic step forward together. We all need to ask ourselves these questions. Where is this history, why don’t we know it, why don’t we own it and why don’t we share it?”